Skip to main content

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 to a prominent place in the global arena. In both his buildings and in his vintage furniture — which ranges from chairs, 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 in 1930 as part of his overall design of a Finnish tuberculosis sanatorium. Comfortable, yet light enough to be easily moved by patients, the 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 at the headrest and beneath the knees, creating a sort of pillow effect. Aalto’s use of plywood had 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 his wife, Aino Aalto, 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.

3
to
2
1
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
2
3
1
1
3
2
1
230
4,992
1,685
1,556
526
Creator: Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Scandinavian Modern for Iittala
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in New York, NY
The beautiful and iconic Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto glass vase, aka as the 'Savoy' vase, created by designer Alvar Aalto, 1937, Finland. This clear vase, with original design by...
Category

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

Materials

Glass

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
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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

Related Items
Danish Vintage Teak Serving Trays 1960s Set of 4
By Silva, Wiggers
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish vintage teak serving trays 1960s set of 4. Danish Mid-Century Modern teak trays. This set consists of: A large oval tray by Silva, ...
Category

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

Materials

Teak, Glass

  • Danish Vintage Teak Serving Trays 1960s Set of 4
  • Danish Vintage Teak Serving Trays 1960s Set of 4
  • Danish Vintage Teak Serving Trays 1960s Set of 4
  • Danish Vintage Teak Serving Trays 1960s Set of 4
H 0.6 in. W 25.79 in. D 15.16 in.
Vintage Hand Signed Clear 3030 Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Hand signed Alvar Aalto vase 3030 Savoy for Iittala made in Finland. Nice vintage condition with some scratches and a small chip at the rim.
Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Glass

Midcentury Alvar Aalto Large Green 3030 Savoy Vase in Dark Green Iittala 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
The iconic Vase Savoy "3030" design by Alvar Aalto in lovely, unusual green glass for the Finnish glass manufacturer Iittala. This one is signed by hand Alvar Aalto 3030...
Category

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

Materials

Glass

Vintage Crystal Vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage crystal vase is a decorative crystal object designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Ittala in the 1980s. Elegant crystal vase in the shape of a corolla. Corolla vase is...
Category

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

Materials

Crystal

Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 3030, 1960s, Iittala Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Turku, FI
Vintage version of iconic Savoy Vase designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala. Hand signed "Alvar Aalto 3030". Blown to a cast-iron mould. Normal wear o...
Category

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

Materials

Blown Glass

Alvar Aalto Large Savoy Vase in Emerald Green for Iittala
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Scandinavian Modern design by Alvar Aalto in vibrant emerald green glass for eminent Finnish glassworks, Iittala. This mid-century example includes a bubble in the glasswor...
Category

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

Materials

Glass

Art Deco 1930's Serving Barware Drinks Tray
Located in Devon, England
A cute size and original 1930's German Art Deco tray featuring a lovely reverse painted design on glass. Condition is very good, no damage, minor signs of age. Very distinctive Deco ...
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Softwood, Paint

  • Art Deco 1930's Serving Barware Drinks Tray
  • Art Deco 1930's Serving Barware Drinks Tray
  • Art Deco 1930's Serving Barware Drinks Tray
  • Art Deco 1930's Serving Barware Drinks Tray
H 1.19 in. W 9.85 in. D 5.91 in.
Italian Brass Modernist Serving Tray with Mirror Barware Mid-Century Modern
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous substantial Italian solid brass and mirrored modernist rectangular vintage tray has all been professionally polished. It is Mid-Century Modern and the applications for ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Hand Signed White 3030 Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Krefeld, DE
Hand signed Alvar Aalto vase 3030 Savoy for Iittala made in Finland. Nice vintage condition with some scratches at the base and small chips at th...
Category

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

Materials

Glass

Midcentury Atomic Lucite and Steel Bar Tool Set , 1960s
By Maxwell Phillips
Located in San Diego, CA
One of a kind midcentury lucite and chrome handle with stainless steel top bar tools set. This is a perfect statement piece to enhance your bar décor. It...
Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Alvar Aalto Glass Savoy Vase and Bowls
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Esbjerg, DK
1950s, Mid-Century Modern, blown glass 'Savoy' vase and bowls designed by Alvar, signed/marked. Measures: H. 10/4/3, W. 11/13.5/10, D. 10/11/9.
Category

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

Materials

Glass

  • Alvar Aalto Glass Savoy Vase and Bowls
  • Alvar Aalto Glass Savoy Vase and Bowls
  • Alvar Aalto Glass Savoy Vase and Bowls
  • Alvar Aalto Glass Savoy Vase and Bowls
H 3.94 in. W 4.34 in. D 3.94 in.
Art Deco 1930's Serving Barware Drinks Tray
Located in Devon, England
A cute size and original 1930's German Art Deco tray featuring a lovely reverse painted design on glass. Condition is very good, no damage, minor signs of age. Very distinctive Deco ...
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Softwood, Paint

  • Art Deco 1930's Serving Barware Drinks Tray
  • Art Deco 1930's Serving Barware Drinks Tray
  • Art Deco 1930's Serving Barware Drinks Tray
  • Art Deco 1930's Serving Barware Drinks Tray
H 1.19 in. W 9.85 in. D 6.3 in.
Previously Available Items
Alvar Aalto "Savoy" Vase in Caramel-Tinted Glass, Iittala, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
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
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Pasadena, 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
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
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Carpaneto Piacentino, Italy
Extraordinary glass vase designed by Alvar Aalto.
Category

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

Materials

Glass

  • Huge Vase Signed Alvar Aalto
  • Huge Vase Signed Alvar Aalto
  • Huge Vase Signed Alvar Aalto
  • Huge Vase Signed Alvar Aalto
H 11.82 in. W 12.21 in. D 10.63 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

  • Vase, “model 3031” Designed by Alvar Aalto,
  • Vase, “model 3031” Designed by Alvar Aalto,
  • Vase, “model 3031” Designed by Alvar Aalto,
  • Vase, “model 3031” Designed by Alvar Aalto,
H 8.08 in. W 8.27 in. D 7.88 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
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
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

  • Modern Aalto Vase
  • Modern Aalto Vase
  • Modern Aalto Vase
  • Modern Aalto Vase
H 6.25 in. W 7 in. D 7 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
By Alvar Aalto, Ittala
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 Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Glass designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960. Manufactured in Finland. In great original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use in the structure some broken leather top,...
Category

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

  • Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960
  • Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960
  • Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960
  • Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960
H 6.3 in. W 8.27 in. D 6.7 in.
Mid-Century Modernist Free-Form Glass Vase by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
This free form organic shaped vase is made of hand blown glass and bears the signature Alvar Aalto on the bottom. A classic great designed vase that is very functional as well.
Category

Late 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 Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg, Gunnel Nyman, and Kaj Franck. 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 £300 and can go as high as £991, while a piece like these, on average, fetch £601.

Recently Viewed

View More