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.
Alvar Aalto Vase Model 9748, Iittala 1956, Clear Glass Blown into Wooden Mold
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 `...
Blown Glass
Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Opaline White, Iittala 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic Savoy vase by Alvar Aalto in opaline white for Iittala, dating from the 1960s to the early 1970s. The vase is in good condition, presenting only slight markings to the base...
Blown Glass
Set of 3 Alvar Aalto Savoy Vases Model. 3030 in Clear Glass, Iittala 1960-70s
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of three iconic Savoy vases by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, dating from the 1960s to the early 1970s. The vases are in good condition, presenting only slight markings to the base c...
Blown Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Velvet Art Glass Vase "Jäkälä" model 3516, Iittala 1950s Finland
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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
Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Deep Green, Iittala 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
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
Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Vase Model 3327, Iittala 1950s Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
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...
Art Glass
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
Alvar Aalto Vintage Vase 3030, Blown Glass, Scandinavian Modern
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Turku, Finland
Iconic Vintage Aalto vase that was blown into an iron mold. Hand Signed "Alvar Aalto 3030". Manufactured by Iittala Finland. - Condition: Very good for its age. No cracks or chips. ...
Blown Glass
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 Petite Glass Vase
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A petite 'Savoy' vase from Alvar Aalto’s collection of blown glass vases for Iittala of Finland. This design has four irregular lobes with undulating sides that make this vase perfec...
Blown Glass
Vintage Art Glass Vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, Finland, 1980s
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage white jacketed glass vase designed by Alvar Aalto and realized by Iittala, Finland. Realized since 1960s, this series is one of the most celebrated among Iittal's production...
Art 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
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