Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Finnish, 1898-1976

An architect and designer, Alvar Aalto deserves an immense share of the credit for bringing Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design to a prominent place in the global arena. In both his buildings and his vintage furniture — which ranges from chairs, stools, tables and lighting to table- and glassware — Aalto’s sensitivity to the natural world and to organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design.

Relatively few Aalto buildings exist outside Finland. (Just four exist in the United States, and only one — the sinuous 1945 Baker House dormitory at M.I.T. — is easily visited.) International attention came to Aalto, whose surname translates to English as “wave,” primarily through his furnishings.

Instead of the tubular metal framing favored by the Bauhaus designers and Le Corbusier, Aalto insisted on wood. His aesthetic is best represented by the Paimio armchair, developed with his wife, Aino Aalto, in 1930 as part of the overall design of a Finnish tuberculosis sanatorium.

Comfortable, yet light enough to be easily moved by patients, the Paimio chair’s frame is composed of two laminated birch loops; the seat and back are formed from a single sheet of plywood that scrolls under the headrest and beneath the knees, creating a sort of pillow effect. Aalto’s use of plywood had an enormous influence on Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Marcel Breuer and others who later came to the material.

Concerned with keeping up standards of quality in the production of his designs, Aalto formed the still-extant company Artek in 1935, along with Aino, whose glass designs were made by the firm. In the latter medium, in 1936 the Aaltos together created the iconic, undulating Savoy vase, so-called for the luxe Helsinki restaurant for which the piece was designed.

Artek also produced Aalto pendants and other lighting designs, many of which — such as the Angel’s Wing floor lamp and the Beehive pendant — incorporate a signature Aalto detail: shades made of concentric enameled-metal rings graduated down in diameter. The effect of the technique is essential Alvar Aalto: at once precise, simple, and somehow poetic.

Find a collection of vintage Alvar Aalto stools, vases, dining tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Creator: Alvar Aalto

Alvar Aalto serving platter, oak Serving tray by Alvar Aalto Collection Iittala

$259Sale Price|54% Off

Alvar Aalto serving platter, oak Serving tray by Alvar Aalto Collection Iittala

By Iittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in Skarpnäck, SE

A finely crafted oak serving platter featuring the iconic “Savoy” silhouette from a limited Alvar Aalto collection by Iittala, Finland. This piece showcases the essence of Finnish de...

Category

1990s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Oak

Finnish modern glass bowl centrepiece by Alvar Aalto for IIttala, 1990s

$336

Finnish modern glass bowl centrepiece by Alvar Aalto for IIttala, 1990s

By Alvar Aalto, Iittala

Located in MIlano, IT

Finnish modern glass bowl centrepiece by Alvar Aalto for IIttala, 1990s. Centerpiece bowl or low vase of Finnish origin, entirely made of glass and with an irregular and wavy shape. ...

Category

1990s Finnish Modern Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass

Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 3030 by Iittala Signed

$480Sale Price|20% Off

Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 3030 by Iittala Signed

By Iittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in Espoo, FI

Aalto savoy vase, white. "Alvar Aalto - 3030" signature on the bottom. In very good condition. The height of the vase is approx. 160mm. The Aalto Sav...

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass

Alvar Aalto Cocktail Tray by Sanka

$673Sale Price|20% Off

Alvar Aalto Cocktail Tray by Sanka

By Alvar Aalto, Sanka Finland

Located in Espoo, FI

Cocktail tray, design Alvar Aalto, manufacturer Sanka. In excellent condition. Sanka sticker on the bottom. Dimensions approx. 38cm x 38cm. The material is acrylic. The Alvar Aalto ...

Category

1990s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Acrylic

Midcentury Teak Serving Tray or Platter

$100Sale Price|20% Off

H 0.5 in Dm 12 in

Midcentury Teak Serving Tray or Platter

Located in San Diego, CA

Midcentury teak serving tray or platter from Denmark, circa 1960s. The platter is 12" in diameter and .5" high. The piece is in very good...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Teak

Oiva Toikka, Sieppo, Bird, Nuutajarvi / Iittala, 1990s

$742Sale Price|34% Off

H 4.73 in W 2.56 in D 4.53 in

Oiva Toikka, Sieppo, Bird, Nuutajarvi / Iittala, 1990s

By Iittala, Oiva Toikka, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ

Located in MAASTRICHT, LI

Product Description: On offer here is a reprinted version of Sieppo with legs, manufactured in 1995 by Oiva Toikka. The early footed Sieppo was created in many color variations, bu...

Category

1990s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray

$560

H 0.5 in W 8 in D 10.38 in

Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray

By Christofle

Located in Miami, FL

French Art Deco style silver-plated serving tray from Christofle. This small cocktail tray is hallmarked on the reverse. In very good condition, wear consistent with age, materials...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Silver Plate

Jens Quistgaard Tray Produced by Dansk in Denmark

$3,605

H 1.58 in W 15.36 in D 15.36 in

Jens Quistgaard Tray Produced by Dansk in Denmark

By Jens Quistgaard

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Very rare tray designed by Jens Quistgaard. Produced by Dansk in Denmark.

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Teak, Wenge

Aldebaran Glass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

$8,790 / item

H 6.7 in Dm 11.42 in

Aldebaran Glass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Aldebaran Glass Fruit Bowl was designed for Memphis in 1983 by Ettore Sottsass. This bowl features a tapering cylindrical shape with three green handles, with the side decorated ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass

Decorative Ceramic Tray by Sylvia Leuchovius for Rörstrand, Sweden

$1,021

H 1.19 in W 16.54 in D 10.24 in

Decorative Ceramic Tray by Sylvia Leuchovius for Rörstrand, Sweden

By Sylvia Leuchovius, Rörstrand

Located in Goteborg, SE

Decorative tray by the Swedish artist Sylvia Leuchovius. (1915-2003). Leuchovius was one of Rörstrands most prolific artists for almost 30 years. This tray is a typical example of he...

Category

1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Modern Smoke Grey Glass Bowl, Per Lütken “Fionia” for Holmegaard

$496

H 4.14 in W 8.86 in D 6.7 in

Scandinavian Modern Smoke Grey Glass Bowl, Per Lütken “Fionia” for Holmegaard

By Holmegaard, Per Lütken

Located in London, GB

Mid-Century Modern Glass Bowl from the “Fionia” Series by Per Lütken for Holmegaard, Denmark, 1960s A sculptural mid-century modern glass bowl in grey smoke glass, designed by Per L...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass

American Modern Oval Bowl by Russell Wright for Steubenville Pottery

$210

H 2.25 in W 10 in D 7 in

American Modern Oval Bowl by Russell Wright for Steubenville Pottery

By Russel Wright, Steubenville

Located in Philadelphia, PA

American Modern Oval Bowl by Russell Wright for Steubenville Pottery Company. Marked on underside.

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Ceramic

Bristol Silverplate by Poole 132 Silver Plated Narrow Serving Platter Dish Tray

$250

H 1.5 in W 24.5 in D 10.5 in

Bristol Silverplate by Poole 132 Silver Plated Narrow Serving Platter Dish Tray

By Poole Silver Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Bristol Silverplate by Poole 132 Silver Plated Narrow Serving Platter Dish Tray. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 1.5" H x 24.5" W x 10.5" D.

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Victorian Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Decorative Serving Tray, English, Cocktail Platter, Georgian Revival

$863

H 3.35 in W 16.34 in D 9.85 in

Vintage Decorative Serving Tray, English, Cocktail Platter, Georgian Revival

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a vintage decorative serving tray. An English, mahogany cocktail or canapé platter in Georgian revival taste, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1970. Delightful revival...

Category

1970s British Georgian Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Mahogany

Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's

$1,802

H 1.78 in W 22.45 in D 12.6 in

Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's

By Jens Quistgaard

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Teak Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Dansk in Denmark Dimensions (W x D x H): 57 x 32 ...

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Teak

1970's Tapio Wirkkala 4 Niva Whiskey glasses + Seita Ice Bucket Iittala Finland

$600

H 3.55 in Dm 3.55 in

1970's Tapio Wirkkala 4 Niva Whiskey glasses + Seita Ice Bucket Iittala Finland

By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

Set of 4 'new' old stock Whiskey 'Niva' Series glasses in original box by Iittalia Finland and a matching 'Seita' ice bucket The perfect gift set for your husband or to impress you...

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Previously Available Items

Early Alvar Aalto Large size Savoy Vase Finland 1950s

Sold

H 6.375 in W 8.25 in D 7 in

Early Alvar Aalto Large size Savoy Vase Finland 1950s

By Iittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in Virginia Beach, VA

Early Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase. Large free flowing form. This example is early with the Alvar Aalto etched named. this example with several bubbles left in the glass during formation. ...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass

Alvar Aalto Savoy Vintage Hand Signed Clear Glass Vase 3030

Sold

H 6 in W 7 in D 8 in

Alvar Aalto Savoy Vintage Hand Signed Clear Glass Vase 3030

By Alvar Aalto

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A beautiful Alvar Aalto Savoy vase for Iittala, #3030. Clear glass with hand etched signature. Biomorphic design that is timeless.

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Serving Set of Tray Ice Bucket and Glasses by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Italy 1960s

Sold

H 1.97 in W 18.9 in D 11.82 in

Serving Set of Tray Ice Bucket and Glasses by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Italy 1960s

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Rome, IT

Tray set composed of a tray, four glasses, of which one slightly smaller than the other three, and an ice bucket in wood and glass by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Made in Italy in the 1960...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass, Wood

Alvar Aalto "Savoy" Vase in Caramel-Tinted Glass, Iittala, Finland

Sold

H 5.52 in W 5.52 in D 3.94 in

Alvar Aalto "Savoy" Vase in Caramel-Tinted Glass, Iittala, Finland

By Iittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in Odense, DK

A "Savoy" glass vase signed Alvar Aalto, Iittala 1936-1996. 60 years anniversary edition. Blown in wooden mold. Caramel / light pink -tinted glass. Great vintage condition.

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Alvar Aalto for Iittala Savoy Finnish Modernist Glass Bowl Dish Vase

Sold

H 1.5 in W 4.75 in D 5.38 in

Alvar Aalto for Iittala Savoy Finnish Modernist Glass Bowl Dish Vase

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Finnish modernist Savoy vase, dish or bowl designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala. Bowl was originally designed in 1936, this is a later version a...

Category

1990s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass

Vintage Crystal Ashtray, Alvar Aalto, 1980s

Sold

H 1.19 in Dm 5.12 in

Vintage Crystal Ashtray, Alvar Aalto, 1980s

By Orrefors, Alvar Aalto

Located in Roma, IT

Vintage crystal ashtray is a decorative crystal object designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by the Swedish Companies Orrefors and Ittala in...

Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass

Huge Vase Signed Alvar Aalto

Sold

H 11.82 in W 12.21 in D 10.63 in

Huge Vase Signed Alvar Aalto

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Piacenza, Italy

Extraordinary glass vase designed by Alvar Aalto.

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass

Vase, “model 3031” Designed by Alvar Aalto,

Sold

H 8.08 in W 8.27 in D 7.88 in

Vase, “model 3031” Designed by Alvar Aalto,

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Stockholm, SE

Finland, 1968. Opal glass that was blown into a wooden mould. Signed "Alvar Aalto 3031" Measures: H 20.5 cm/ 8" W 21 cm/ 8 1/4" D 20 cm/ 8".

Category

1960s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Opal

Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Pair, circa 1950s

Sold

H 6.25 in W 8 in D 7 in

Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Pair, circa 1950s

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Ferndale, MI

The Savoy vase was originally created in the 1930s by Alvar Aalto and his first wife Aino Aalto in Finland for an art glass competition. This blown glass pa...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Art Deco Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Modern Aalto Vase

Sold

H 6.25 in W 7 in D 7 in

Modern Aalto Vase

By Iittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in New York, NY

The beautiful modern Aalto vase, aka as the Savoy vase, created by designer Alvar Aalto, 1937, Finland. This is the contemporary version, in excellent condition. Marked on bottom as ...

Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Modern Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass

Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase for Iittala Finland

Sold

H 8 in W 8.25 in D 8 in

Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase for Iittala Finland

By Alvar Aalto, Iittala

Located in Topeka, KS

Iconic Savoy vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala. Made in Finland, circa late 20th century but originally designed in 1936. This vase is in wonderful condition ...

Category

20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Alvar Aalto Signed Savoy Vase for Ittala

Sold

H 6.25 in W 8 in D 7 in

Alvar Aalto Signed Savoy Vase for Ittala

By Ittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in Rochester, NY

Alvar Aalto iconic Savoy smoked glass vase for Ittala with acid etched Alvar Aalto signature on underside, circa 1970.

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Alvar Aalto serveware, ceramics, silver and glass for sale on 1stDibs.

Alvar Aalto serveware, ceramics, silver and glass are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Alvar Aalto serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original serveware, ceramics, silver and glass by Alvar Aalto were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider serveware, ceramics, silver and glass by Gunnel Nyman, Ulla Procope, and Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg. Prices for Alvar Aalto serveware, ceramics, silver and glass can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $375 and can go as high as $1,186, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $750.

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Questions About Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

What is Alvar Aalto known for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
Alvar Aalto is known for bringing Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design to global prominence. In his designs for buildings and furniture, Aalto's sensitivity to the natural world and to organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design. One of his most famous pieces is the Paimio armchair, which he designed in 1930 for a Finnish tuberculosis sanatorium. Comfortable yet light enough to be easily moved by patients, the Paimio chair's frame is made of two laminated birch loops. The seat and back are formed from a single sheet of plywood that scrolls under the headrest and beneath the knees, creating a pillow effect. Aalto's use of plywood had an enormous influence on Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Marcel Breuer and many others. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Alvar Aalto furniture.
What style did Alvar Aalto use?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
The style most commonly associated with Alvar Aalto is Scandinavian modern. As an architect and designer, Aalto deserves an immense share of the credit for bringing Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design to a prominent place in the global arena. In both his buildings and his vintage furniture, Aalto's sensitivity to the natural world and organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design, as is indicative of Scandinavian modern pieces. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Alvar Aalto furniture.
What is the Paimio chair designed by Alvar Aalto?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
The Paimio chair, designed by Alvar Aalto, is a type of armchair created in 1932. Also called the Armchair 41, it was intended to help people breathe easier and was designed for a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Finnish city of Paimio. For the chair's frame, Aalto and his wife, Aino, opted to use Finland's native birchwood, which is strong and inexpensive and felt warmer and more organic than the tubular steel found in similarly shaped pieces. Laminated wood loops form the arms, legs and a pair of flat skids, while its sculptural seat and back are built from a single piece of thin plywood. Shop a variety of Alvar Aalto Paimio chairs on 1stDibs.

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