Alvar Aalto vase

This early glass vase was designed by Alvar Aalto and produced in Finland. It is signed “Alvar Aalto 3030 & II” confirming its authenticity as part of Aalto’s iconic glassware series. The vase is crafted using the traditional technique of blowing glass into a wooden mould, resulting in its characteristic organic, undulating form and subtly textured surface.

The shape embodies Aalto’s signature freeform design, first introduced in 1936 and famously associated with the Savoy vase, named after the Helsinki restaurant where it gained prominence. The flowing, asymmetrical contours draw inspiration from natural Finnish landscapes, such as lakes and shorelines, reflecting Aalto’s philosophy of organic modernism and his desire to harmonize design with nature.

Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) was a leading Finnish architect and designer known for his innovative contributions to modernist design. His multidisciplinary work spanned architecture, furniture, and glass, all unified by a focus on functional yet sculptural forms that resonate with the natural environment. His glass designs, especially this organic vase shape, remain celebrated as quintessential examples of Scandinavian design.

Made of clear blown glass, the vase displays slight irregularities and textural variations inherent to the wooden mould process. The surface shows natural signs of wear consistent with its age. The dimensions are 17.5 centimeters in diameter and 17 centimeters in height (approximately 6.9 x 6.7 inches).