Making its international debut at the 1937 Paris World Exhibition, the Tea Trolley 900 encapsulates Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto's (1898–1976) influential approach to modernism through its emphasis on local materials and elegant pragmatism.
A modern take on the traditional British tea cart, it is a versatile domestic object: It can be rolled up for dinner, tucked away in a corner for housing odds and ends or presented as a striking centerpiece. With a ceramic tile serving tray, a handmade rattan basket for storage and two large wheels lined with rubber to offer quiet and easy movement, every aspect is aimed at fulfilling a function, down to its supporting closed curves of laminated form-bent Finnish birch, which recall the Japanese woodwork Aalto had experienced while traveling.
The Tea Trolley 900 was one of the furniture objects produced in the early years of the Artek company, formed by Aalto and his wife, Aino, with Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl to “promote a modern culture of living.” Artek brought to the mass market Aalto’s take on International Style, which celebrated the beauty of exposed wood, including still popular pieces like the stackable Stool 60 and plywood Paimio armchair.
The Tea Trolley 900 is also demonstrative of Aalto’s ongoing efforts to innovate with his own designs. Before the Tea Trolley 900, there was the Tea Trolley 901, a sleeker version with two tiers of linoleum trays that was exhibited at the Milan Triennale. Each piece, with its big wheels and dynamic wooden frame, brings some drama to the home while exemplifying the values of Scandinavian design.
Model 900 Tea Cart, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 900 cart, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Birch frame, ceramic tiles, rattan basket. Marked. Good vintage condition, patina and minor wear consistent with age...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
Authentic Tea Trolley 901 in Birch by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Hella Jongerius, Artek
Located in Glendale, CA
Authentic tea trolley 901 in birch and white laminate by Alvar Aalto & Artek. Alvar Aalto's tea trolleys serve as highly functional and distinctive addit...
Birch
Alvar Aalto for Artek Cart "900" in Birch and Tile, Finland 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Naples, IT
The 900 trolley, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, is a classic Finnish design with English tea culture and Japanese woodwork and architecture as its sources of inspiration. Alvar A...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
$6,581Sale Price|30% Off
Model 900 Tea Trolley by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1960s/70s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
Vintage Alvar Aalto tea trolley model 900 made in the 1960s in Finland. White ceramic tiles and basket of woven rattan cane. The rattan box is original and has some darkened spots th...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley / Bar Cart Model 900 for Artek. Birch and Rattan.
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Kansas City, MO
Alvar Aalto iconic Tea Cart 900 produced by Artek. This example is in very good condition with few signs of use. Birch wood frame and rattan basket. Great mid century design. Fun...
Rattan, Birch
Alvar Aalto Trolley Model 901
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Cambridge, US
Finland, ca. 1950s. A rare and early Model 901 tea trolley or bar cart by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Features a solid birch frame with black linoleum shelving and large white lacquered w...
Rubber, Birch, Lacquer
Tea Trolley 900 in birch by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Copenhagen, DK
'Tea Trolley 900' - Serving trolley in patinated birch with white tiles. Designed by Alvar Aalto, made by ARTEK.
Porcelain, Wicker, Birch
Alvar Aalto Serving Trolley 901 by Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
901 Serving Trolley by Alvar Aalto. Authentic, stamp on bottom. 90s. Birchwood frame and linoleum covered trays. 35w 20d 20h
Laminate, Wood
Alvar Aalto Model 901 Tea Trolley, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful Model 901 tea trolley designed 1930 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, white linoleum top with bentwood birch frame and white lacquered wood wheels with rubber rings. Good original ...
Rubber, Birch
Alvar Aalto Vintage Tea Trolley 900 White Ceramic Tiles & Rattan Basket, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage Alvar Aalto tea trolley model 900 made in the 1960s at Artek, Finland. White ceramic tiles and basket of woven rattan cane. The trolley is in very good original condition with no repairs. The tea trolley was inspired by British tea culture, which Aino and Alvar Aalto had become acquainted with though their many travels, as well as by the Japanese woodwork and architecture they admired. The striking Tea Trolley 900...
Ceramic, Rattan, Beech
Tea trolley 901, Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Paris, FR
Very nice vintage condition for this iconic tea trolley. Height 56 cm, 60x88 cm
Wood
Finnish modern wood, wicker Cart Tea Trolley 900 by Alvar AAlto for Artek, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in MIlano, IT
Finnish modern wood, wicker Cart Tea Trolley 900 by Alvar AAlto for Artek, 1970s Cart mod. Tea Trolley 900 in light wood, wicker and white ceramic. The rec...
Ceramic, Wicker, Wood
Scandinavian Modern Vintage White Alvar Aalto Tea Cart 900 Artek, 1937, Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian modern Oorganic vintage tea cart 900 by Alvar Aalto for Artek designed 1937 Finland and manufactured 1980s. A wonderful timeless tea car...
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Trolley 901 by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern trolley 901 by Alvar Aalto, 1950s.
Wood
$916
H 9.85 in W 35.44 in D 9.85 in
Mid-Century Modern 112B Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950/1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern wall shelf 112B. Design by Alvar Aalto for Artek Finland. Striking Finnish design from the 1960s. Original birch and birch veneer frame with o...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Desk by Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek writing table with drawers, birch with cream linoleum. The desk is from around the 1960s and in good used condition. Designer Alvar Aalto.
Birch
$4,629 / set
H 25.2 in W 35.44 in D 11.82 in
Alvar Aalto Pair of Minimalistic Iconic Shelves Model 112-2 for Artek, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of shelves designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1930s. They are made from bent laminated birch, solid birch, and plywood birch. If you are l...
Birch
$5,593
H 68.9 in W 19.69 in D 12.6 in
Alvar Aalto Entryway Console Mirror and Stool Set, 1950s for Artek
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful entryway set of a drawer console, mirror and stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek made of solid birch. The set is in original condition with a light surface finishing. The wood...
Birch, Mirror
Tea Trolley 900 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Early Model
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
The tea trolley was inspired by British tea culture, which Aino and Alvar Aalto had become acquainted with though their many travels, as well as by the Japanese woodwork and architec...
Ceramic, Rattan, Bentwood
$3,278
H 13 in W 19.69 in D 12.6 in
Minimalist Alvar Aalto Drawer Wall Shelf Model B 114, 1950s for Artek
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful drawer shelf / console by Alvar Aalto in solid birch and oak veneer for Artek. A small and very practical addition to your entrance or any wall space to keep keys or smal...
Birch, Oak
Model HB96 Chest of Drawers, Alvar Aalto, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model HB96 chest of drawers, design by Alvar Aalto, 1930s. Birch. Good vintage condition, rich patina and wear consistent with age and use. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Table in Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A classic L-leg table designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Oy and retailed by Artek in Finland. This piece exhibits a beautiful vintage patina, with ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare Mid-Century Modern writing desk in full birch model K81 manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas for Artek. The minimalist design of the table already designed in the 1...
Birch
Alvar Aalto L-Legged Table by Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek table, birch with cream linoleum. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around the 1960s. A few extra holes in the table legs. Wear consistent with age. Great patina. Size ...
Birch
1970s Alvar & Aino Aalto for Artek H Leg Dining Table in Beech
By Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a H-Leg Dining Table, originally designed by Alvar & Aino Aalto in 1956. This particular example was produced by Artek in Finland dates to the 1970s. The piece is comprised o...
Beech
$5,593
H 21.66 in W 23.63 in D 20.08 in
Sleek Alvar Aalto Side / Magazine Table model. 75, Black & Birch, Artek 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto side table / spear table model number 75, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, and manufactured by Huonekalu- Ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy in Finland in the 1950s. Another iconi...
Birch
Model 900 Tea Cart, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1980/1990s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 900 tea cart, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1980/1990s. Birch frame, ceramic tiles, rattan basket. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use....
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley 900 for Artek Black Tiles
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Mid Century Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley 900 made in the 1970's at Artek, Finland. Black ceramic tiles and basket of woven rattan cane. ...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
Sold
H 23.43 in W 35.83 in D 25.4 in
Tea Cart Model 900, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Mid-20th
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Tea cart model 900, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Mid-20th Century. Restored birch frame. Gorgeous original tile and weaved basket. ...
Ceramic, Rattan, Rubber, Birch, Paint
Vintage Alvar Aalto ‘Tea Trolley’ Cart 900, Artek Finland, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Round Rock, TX
Vintage ‘Tea Trolley 900’ cart designed in 1937 by Aino and Alvar Aalto for the World Exhibition in Paris. Increasing difficult to get here in the US, the trolley features a white ...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
Alvar Aalto Model 901 Tea Trolley, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful Model 901 tea trolley designed 1930 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, white linoleum top with bentwood birch frame and white lacquered wood wheels with rubber rings. Good original ...
Rubber, Birch
Model 900 Tea Cart by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
The Model 900 by Alvar Aalto was first exhibited at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1937. Features hand-painted ceramic tiles and a rattan basket. The tea trolley was inspired by B...
Ceramic, Rattan, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Model 900 tea trolley, Alivar, 1980s
By Alvar Aalto, Alivar
Located in Rivoli, IT
Iconic no tea trolley with a sophisticated design by Alvar Aalto. Birch wood frame, tabletop formed by black ceramic tiles, rattan basket under the outlet. This iconic piece was fir...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
Sold
H 22.05 in W 19.69 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Tea Cart Model 901 Trolley by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Tea Cart or Trolley model 901 designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek. Made in Finland. Manufactured probably in the 1950s. Birch frame, contrasting shelving with black linoleum, ...
Birch, Plywood
40's alvar aalto tea trolley 901 made in sweden
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
This is a rare Swedish tea trolley from the 1940s . The original condition and it has very good atmosphere.
Birch
Sold
H 23.63 in W 35.83 in D 25.2 in
Trolley model 900 designed by Alvar Aalto with tile by Fiskars for Artek, Sweden
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Trolley model 900 designed by Alvar Aalto with tile by Fiskars for Artek, Finland, 1946. Birch, tile from Fiskars, and rattan. Provenance: Ingvar Norman, Ernst Sundhs Byggnads AB. ...
Ceramic, Birch
Sold
H 22.84 in W 25.6 in D 35.83 in
Mid-Century Modern Trolley Model 900 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern trolley Model 900 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950s.
Wood
Sold
H 22.05 in W 35.44 in D 19.69 in
20th Century Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley model 901 for Artek in Birch Wood and Red
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turin, Turin
Recognised today as one of the great masters of modern architecture, Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) was born in Kuortane, Finland. During a long and prolific career, Aalto designed buildings for almost all key public institutions, as well as standardised housing and private homes. Aalto’s architecture is distinctively Finnish, strongly individual, and marked by a warm humanity. His buildings derive their aesthetic character from their dynamic relationship with their natural surroundings, their human scale, superbly executed details, unique treatment of materials, and ingenious use of lighting. The tea trolley was inspired by British tea culture, which Aino and Alvar Aalto had become acquainted with though their many travels, as well as by the Japanese woodwork and architecture they admired. With a frame composed of two birch lamella loops, Tea Trolley 901...
Laminate, Birch
