When Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) designed the curvilinear Savoy vase in 1936 for the eponymous luxurious restaurant in Helsinki set to open the following year, he created one of the most well-known glass objects of the 20th century.
The Savoy vase — commonly referred to as the “Aalto vase” — won first prize at 1936’s Karhula-Iittala Glass Design Competition, held to determine which works would be included in the Finnish Pavilion at the 1937 Paris World Expo. This very first vase was taller than the subsequently produced models and was executed in a wooden mold that was burned away during production.
Aalto’s inspiration behind the vase remains unclear, although it has been speculated that the design is based on waves or the Finnish landscape. The abstract biomorphic shape of the vase was designed to spread out any flowers placed inside and to support the stems in the folds of the glass facing in different directions rather than keep them bunched together in a central opening. The vase, which was included in the interior design commission for the Savoy (shared with his designer wife, Aino) that included the couple’s celebrated Golden Bell pendant light, was not the only revolutionary design Aalto created during his lifetime. He was a pioneer of Scandinavian modernist design as well as Finland’s most important architect of the 20th century. Aalto created or cocreated with Aino some of the most revered buildings in the Northern Hemisphere, such as the Paimio Tuberculosis Sanatorium (1928–33) in Paimio, Finland, and the Villa Mairea (1939) in Noormarkku, Finland.
The Savoy vase never made any money for Aalto because it belonged to the Finnish glassworks factory that sponsored the 1936 competition. The factory’s modern iteration, Iittala, still produces the piece today. Each Savoy vase is mouth-blown and can be found in various sizes and colors.
$275 / set
Alvar Aalto Savoy Bowl Dish, Pair
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in New York, NY
Two beautiful and iconic Scandinavian Modern Aalto clear glass bowls, Iittala, Finland, circa late-20th century. These clear dishes or bowls are taken fro...
Glass
Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Deep Green, Iittala 1950s
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto entered and won a competition held at the Karhula-Iittala glass factory that was organized for the 1937 Paris World Fair. The year was 1936 and Aalto´s entry was called `Eskimoerindens skinnbuxa` or `Eskimo Woman`s Leather Trousers` . The entry comprised of a number of different free-formed vases and bowls that came in different shapes and sizes. The most famous of Aalto´s glass designs is exactly this so called `Savoy` vase, as it was part of the Savoy restaurant`s original interior design that was done by the Aalto couple. Winning the competition marked the beginning of a succesful breakthrough for Alvar Aalto in addition to his other accomplishments as a world famous architect. The early vases by Aalto are extremely sought after collectible´s gems that fetch incredible prices every now and then in auctions worldwide. We have seen them in a number of different colors, mainly clear glass, green, brown, and blue. This vase is fully signed Alvar Aalto and is in good condition. This vase is signed Alvar Aalto 3030...
Blown Glass
Vintage Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Round Rock, TX
The iconic “Savoy” vase was designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala of Finland. Considered one of the most revered designers of the 20th century, Aalto created this vase as part of a 10-...
Glass, Blown Glass
Alvar & Aino Aalto Flower Vase, Milky White Glass, Modern Design
By Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Iittala Alvar Aalto “Aalto flower” vase in milky white glass. Originally designed in the 1930s, this piece is believed to be a production from the 1980s, a period when Iittala conti...
Glass
$458Sale 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...
Glass
Alvar Aalto for Iittala. Organically shaped Savoy vase, 1960s/70s.
By Alvar Aalto
Located in København, Copenhagen
Alvar Aalto for Iittala, Savoy Vase, 1960s/70s. Organically shaped glass vase, known as the Savoy Vase, designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Iittala. The iconic form with soft, fl...
Art Glass
Alvar Aalto Early Glass Vase, Molded Scandinavian Modern Design
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Early Glass Vase by Alvar Aalto Additional Information: Material: Glass blown in wooden mould Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced in Finland Signed Alvar Aalto 3030...
Glass
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Clear Vase Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an Iittala Alvar Aalto collection vase in clear glass, designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in 1936. Known for its fluid, organic wavy shape inspired by...
Art Glass
Iittala Alvar Aalto Arango Art Glass Sculptural Flower Savoy Vase Scandinavian
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern sculptural Arango clear art glass savoy vase designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, made in Finland. This is a beautiful handmade iconic piece from the 1990s. Foil...
Art Glass
Iittala Alvar Aalto Clear Art Glass Sculptural Flower Savoy Vase Scandinavian
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern sculptural clear art glass savoy vase designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, made in Finland. This is a beautiful handmade iconic piece from the 1980s. Foil label ...
Art Glass
Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase and Bowls Set, Mid-Century Modern, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
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.
Glass
Vase Aalto, Alvar Aalto, by Ittala, 1960 circa
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Alvar Aalto's timeless design legacy shines through the iconic Vase Aalto, a classic from the 1960s crafted by Iittala. This fluid masterpiece seamlessly merges form and function, sh...
Art Glass
$600
H 10 in W 6.75 in D 5 in
Iittala Alvar Aalto Arango Art Glass Sculptural Flower Savoy Vase Scandinavian
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern sculptural Arango clear art glass savoy vase designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, made in Finland. This is a beautiful handmade iconic piece from the 1990s. Foil...
Art Glass
$707Sale Price|34% Off
H 4.73 in W 2.56 in D 4.53 in
Oiva Toikka, Sieppo, Bird, Nuutajarvi / Iittala, 1990s
By Oiva Toikka, Iittala, 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...
Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
$2,617
H 6.3 in W 8.27 in D 6.7 in
Alvar Aalto Savoy Glass Bowl, Mid-Century Modern, Finland, Circa 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Glass designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960. Manufactured in Finland. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Hugo Alv...
Glass
$904
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...
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Glass Iittala Finland Liqueur Cocktail Glass
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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...
Glass
Alvar Aalto Organic Glass Vase Model 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, preserving a beautiful patina. Hugo Al...
Glass
$700
H 6.25 in W 8.13 in D 7.32 in
Alvar Aalto for Iittala Finland Cobalt Blue Glass "Savoy" Wave Vase, 160mm
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in St. Louis, MO
An iconic milestone of 20th-century Scandinavian design, this Savoy organic wave vase was designed by legendary Finnish architect and pioneer Alvar Aalto in 1936 and produced in Finland by Iittala. Hand-blown in a vibrant, saturated cobalt blue glass, the free-form undulating silhouette captures Aalto's signature organic modernism—inspired by the natural contours of Finnish lakes and waves. Iittala produced this rich, saturated cobalt blue color run during the late 1980s and 1990s. That run was discontinued in the late 1990s as Iittala refreshed its color palette, making examples from this era increasingly collectible. This piece features the authentic "ALVAR AALTO" acid-etched/acid-stamped signature on the underside, alongside its original red circular Iittala "i" decal label on the upper rim. Measuring 6.25" H x 8 1/8" W x 7 5/16" D, this piece serves as both a functional floral vessel and a standalone sculpture. The vase is in excellent vintage condition. The cobalt glass remains brilliant and clear with no chips, cracks, or flea bites, exhibiting only minor, light shelf scuffs to the underside base consistent with gentle display and handling. The acid stamp on the base is crisp and clear, and the original paper Iittala label remains intact on the exterior. Designed in 1936 by visionary Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, the iconic Savoy vase was created for a competition held by the Karhula-Iittala glassworks ahead of the 1937 Paris World’s Fair. Inspired by the natural contours, fluid shorelines, and lakes of Finland—a thematic nod to Aalto’s own name, which translates to "wave" in Finnish—the design made history by breaking away from the rigid, geometric symmetry of traditional 1930s glassware...
Blown Glass
Freeform Stainless Steel Alvar Aalto Bowl for Lilttala
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful freeform stainless steel bowl designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala in polished stainless steel.
Stainless Steel
Tapio Wirkkala / VASE / Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
This piece is made using a special glass developed by Iittala called “Q Colour,” which features a pastel-toned, semi-transparent blue glass that emits a unique glow when light passes...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Alvar Aalto Clear Glass Vase, Modern Design, Irregular Shape, Italy
Located in Queens, NY
Clear, irregularly-shaped glass vase signed \"Alvar Aalto 1998\"
Glass
Set of Iittala Ultima Thule Bowls 13 Pieces
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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...
Glass
$325
H 4.5 in W 6 in D 5.5 in
Vintage Iittala “Alvar Aalto” Freeform Glass Vase, Finland, Clear Art Glass
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in San Diego, CA
An iconic freeform art glass vase from Iittala, designed by legendary Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto. This sculptural vessel features Aalto’s unmistakable organic, undula...
Glass
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...
Art Glass
$556Sale Price|20% Off
H 12.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
1960s XL Tapio Wirkkala Vase Rosenthal Cogwheel Flower Centerpiece Alvar Aalto
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very rave in this massive size, but is chipped on top rim.
Art Glass
$625Sale Price|20% Off
H 6.3 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
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...
Glass
Vintage Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase for Iittala, Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Alvar Aalto designed the iconic “Savoy” vase for Iittala of Finland. Considered one of the most revered designers of the 20th century, Aalto created this vase as part of a 10-piece c...
Glass
Sold
H 7.96 in W 4.69 in D 4.3 in
Alvar Aalto White Savoy Vase for Iittala, Iconic Finnish Glass Design
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This iconic white Savoy vase, designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, epitomizes timeless Finnish design. Featuring the signature organic, free-flowing shape introduced in 1936, this va...
Blown Glass
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. ...
Glass
Alvar Aalto Clear Glass Amorphic "Savoy" Vase Signed
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Diego, CA
Alvar Aalto iconic Savoy clear glass vase for Ittala with acid etched Alvar Aalto signature on underside. Circa 1970. Finland.
Glass
Vintage Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Round Rock, TX
The iconic “Savoy” vase was designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala of Finland. Considered one of the most revered designers of the 20th century, Aalto created this vase as part of a 10-...
Blown Glass
Vintage Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase for Iittala
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Round Rock, TX
The iconic “Savoy” vase was designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala of Finland. Considered one of the most revered designers of the 20th century, Aalto created this vase as part of a 10-...
Blown Glass
Sold
H 4.75 in W 6 in D 4.88 in
1970s MCM Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 3030 in Smoke Gray Glass by Iittala Finland
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in St. Louis, MO
The famous Mid-Century Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 3030 shown in rarely seen Smoke Gray glass made by Iittala Finland. Retains original label, also etched Alvar Aalto signature to bottom.
Blown Glass
Alvar Aalto Mini Clear Vase for Iittala, circa 1990s
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Alvar Aalto Mini Clear Vase for Iittala, circa 1990s. The box measures: 3 7/8'' Wide by 3 5/16'' Deep by 1 3/16'' Tall.
Glass
Alvar Aalto Mini Blue Vase for Iittala, 1980s
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Alvar Aalto Mini Vase for Iittala, 1980s.
Glass
Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 3030, 1960s, Iittala Finland
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
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...
Blown Glass
Sold
H 6.3 in W 8.27 in D 6.7 in
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...
Glass
Alvar Aalto White Savoy Vase for Iittalia
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Miami, FL
White Alvar Aalto vase for Iittalia. 6-1/4 tall. A classic piece that remains a modern Scandinavian design staple to this day. The Iittala Aalto V...
Glass
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.
Art Glass
Vase Model 'Savoy 9750' by Alvar Aalto for Karhula Glassworks
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brussels, BE
Vase model 'Savoy 9750' by Alvar Aalto for Karhula Glassworks.
Glass
Alvar Aalto Vase by Iittala, circa 1970
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Glass bowl designed by Alvar Aalto manufactured by Iittala from Finland, circa 1970. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful pat...
Glass
