Alvar Aalto 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 Savoy Vase 3030 by Iittala Signed

$467Sale 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 Glass

Materials

Glass

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

$722Sale Price|34% Off

H 4.73 in W 2.56 in D 4.53 in

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

By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Oiva Toikka, Iittala

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 Glass

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Velvet Art Glass Vase "Jäkälä" model 3516, Iittala 1950s Finland

$923

H 3.94 in Dm 5.91 in

Tapio Wirkkala Velvet Art Glass Vase "Jäkälä" model 3516, Iittala 1950s Finland

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in Helsinki, FI

A beautiful art glass vase model 3516, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Iittala in Finland in the 1950s. In the manufacturing process the glass is blown in to a special...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Vase Model 3327, Iittala 1950s Finland

$1,200

H 3.15 in Dm 5.12 in

Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Vase Model 3327, Iittala 1950s Finland

By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Helsinki, FI

A beautiful Line-engraved art glass vase model 3327, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Iittala in Finland in the 1950s. in the manufacturing process the glass is blown i...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Glass Iittala Finland Liqueur Cocktail Glass

$37

H 4 in Dm 3.25 in

Tapio Wirkkala Glass Iittala Finland Liqueur Cocktail Glass

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a Tapio Wirkkala liqueur cocktail glass for Iittala, Finland . Dimensions: 4" H x 3.25" diameter. Please visit take a look at our listings, we have an ama...

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

Materials

Glass

Vintage Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1967

$425

H 9.06 in Dm 4.73 in

Vintage Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1967

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in Berghuelen, DE

Vintage Art glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1967 A large vintage art glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Set of Iittala Ultima Thule Bowls 13 Pieces

$993 / set

H 1.97 in Dm 4.34 in

Set of Iittala Ultima Thule Bowls 13 Pieces

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in Hillringsberg, SE

A set of total 13 pieces. 12 clear glass serving bowls and one large bowl in the Ultima Thule pattern for Iittala Glass Co, Finland. Very good. Meas...

Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Mushroom Vase 3552 Iittala 1955, Finland

$2,104

H 3.94 in Dm 5.12 in

Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Mushroom Vase 3552 Iittala 1955, Finland

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in Helsinki, FI

A beautiful Line-engraved art glass vase model 3552 designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Iittala in Finland in the 1955. Minimalist glass sculpture mimicking and named Tatt...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

Materials

Crystal

Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, Crassus Art Glass Vase

$200

H 5.91 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in

Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, Crassus Art Glass Vase

Located in København, Copenhagen

Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, Crassus art glass vase. Measures: 15 x 11 cm. In very good condition.

Category

20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

Five Scandinavian Midcentury Blown Ice Glass Vases by Timo Sarpaneva Iittala

$425 / item

H 9 in W 6 in D 6 in

Five Scandinavian Midcentury Blown Ice Glass Vases by Timo Sarpaneva Iittala

By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva

Located in New York, NY

A collection of five elegant 'Ice Glass' vases by Finnish Artist, Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. Dimensions: 1) H 9 x 6 x 6; 2) H 6 x 4 x 4; 3) H 6 x 4.5 x 4.5; 4) Cylinder H...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Melting Ice Vase, Miracus Model 3433, Iittala 1970s Finland

$1,963

H 6.89 in W 11.82 in D 11.42 in

Tapio Wirkkala Melting Ice Vase, Miracus Model 3433, Iittala 1970s Finland

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in Helsinki, FI

A beautiful art glass vase "Miracus", model 3433, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Iittala in Finland in the 1970s. The vase is mouth blown into an engraved wooden mold...

Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Vintage Vase "Orkidea" by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, 1953

$1,165

H 6.3 in Dm 2.17 in

Vintage Vase "Orkidea" by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, 1953

By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala

Located in Berghuelen, DE

A vintage "Orkidea" (Orchid) vase designed by Timo Sarpameva for Iittala in 1953. Marked with incised signature 'timo sarpaneva 3586' on the base. An authentic piece of Finnish glass...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Alvar Aalto for Iittala. Three vases in green, white and clear art glass.

$300 / set

H 4.73 in Dm 5.52 in

Alvar Aalto for Iittala. Three vases in green, white and clear art glass.

Located in København, Copenhagen

Alvar Aalto for Iittala. Three vases in green, white and clear art glass. High quality, late 20th century. Largest measures: 14 x 12 cm. Stamped. In very good condition.

Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

Materials

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 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 Glass

Materials

Art Glass

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 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 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 Glass

Materials

Opal

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 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 Iittala, Alvar Aalto

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 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 Glass

Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960

Sold

H 6.3 in W 8.27 in D 6.7 in

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 Glass

Pair of Alvar Aalto Clear Glass Amorphic "Savoy" Vases

Sold

H 6.2 in W 8 in D 7 in

Pair of Alvar Aalto Clear Glass Amorphic "Savoy" Vases

By Alvar Aalto

Located in New York, NY

Pair of clear glass amorphic "Savoy" vases designed in 1937 by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. This pair dates to the 1980s, by Ittala, Finland. Acid etched signature. Aalto's vase...

Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Modernist Free-Form Glass Vase by Alvar Aalto

Sold

H 8 in Dm 8.5 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 Glass

Alvar Aalto glass for sale on 1stDibs.

Alvar Aalto glass are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original glass by Alvar Aalto were created in the mid-century modern style in finland during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider glass by Timo Sarpaneva, Tapio Wirkkala, and Gunnel Nyman. Prices for Alvar Aalto glass can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $375 and can go as high as $750, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $563.

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Questions About Alvar Aalto 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.

Alvar Aalto Glass

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

1990s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

1990s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

1960s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

Late 20th Century Finnish Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Glass

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

Late 20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Glass

Alvar Aalto glass for sale on 1stDibs.

Creators Similar to Alvar Aalto

Questions About Alvar Aalto Glass

What is Alvar Aalto known for?

What style did Alvar Aalto use?

What is the Paimio chair designed by Alvar Aalto?