New Arrivals: SHOP HERE
Marimekko, iittala and more modern Finnish design.
FREE Shipping on Orders of $75+. *DETAILS HERE

The Glass Vase that Started It All

With nearly 70 years passing since Alvar Aalto’s glass vase took best glasswork design, his legacy lives on today as premier Scandinavian glassmaker, iittala, re-releases the vase in colors for a new generation to fall in love with.

September 2, 2005 -- With nearly 70 years passing since Alvar Aalto’s glass vase took best glasswork design, his legacy lives on today as premier Scandinavian glassmaker, iittala, re-releases the vase in colors for a new generation to fall in love with.

The competition was organized by Finland's prominent glassworks, Karhula-iittala, for the purpose of finding designs suitable for display at the World’s Fair in Paris the following year. Aalto had stated that the vase’s design was inspired by the dress of an Eskimo woman, which he called Eskimerindens skinnbux. Loosely translated, it means “the Eskimo woman’s leather pants.”

But what started as a series of crayon drawings on scratch paper and cardboard would not only go on to win the competition and be prominently displayed at the 1937 World’s Fair, but they were later selected by the Savoy restaurant in Helsinki. The most popular of which would later come to be known as the Savoy vase.

The vase was heralded by Scandinavian modernists for its organic feel and undulating forms. Many attributed the vase’s shape to Finland’s natural features and bodies of water. It should also be noted that aalto is the Finnish word for “wave”. Regardless of its artistic interpretation, the Aalto vase has continued to fascinate artists and designers to this day.

Recent excitement has been stirred by iittala, Scandinavia’s quintessential glassmaker, re-releasing the decorative vase in two classic colors. The featured colors represent a historical look back at the vase’s past. Classic Brown was the favored shade of the Savoy restaurant, whereas 1937 Green captures the contemporary color style of the year of the vase’s release.

While iittala’s glassware is known well throughout all of Europe, many in the US are still unfamiliar with the company and their devotion to quality, style, and function. Aalto.com, a US-based retailer of Alvar Aalto designed furniture and glassware, features the full line of Aalto designer vases, including the Savoy and flower vases from iittala.

For something as unique and original as Aalto’s modern vase, it’s little wonder as to why it remains, to this day, a celebrated figure of modern design. And given its popularity, it’s safe to say that it will remain there for a long time to come.


Home > Finnish Design News & Articles > Modern Glass Vase

Modern Glass Vase

IITTALA
FEATURED CATEGORIESiittala Dinnerwareiittala Glasswareiittala Flatware & Serving Utensilsiittala Kitcheniittala Alvar Aalto VasesOiva Toikka Birdsiittala Candle Holdersview allSALEiittala Sale
MARIMEKKO
FEATURED CATEGORIESMarimekko BeddingMarimekko FabricMarimekko DiningMarimekko Bags & PursesMarimekko BathMarimekko KitchenMarimekko Throw Pillowsview allSALEMarimekko Sale
KITCHEN & DINING
DININGDinnerwareiittala Flatware & Serving Utensilsiittala GlasswareServing PiecesServing Pitchers, Jugs, & Carafesview allKITCHENCookwareServing PiecesKitchen ToolsKitchen Tea Towels and DishclothsAprons, Oven Mitts, & Pot HoldersFiskars Kitchen Knivesview all
LIVING
BED & BATHMarimekko BeddingBlanketsFinnish Bath TowelsMarimekko Shower CurtainsMarimekko Bathrobes & SlippersHOME ACCENTSFinnish Vases & Plant PotsThrow Pillows, Blankets, & RugsCandles & Candle HoldersOffice & StationeryFinnish Booksview allFURNISHINGSArtek FurnitureFinnish Lightingview allFabricMarimekko FabricPentik Fabric & Bags
SAUNA & SKINCARE
SAUNA ACCESORIESSauna Buckets & LadlesSauna Thermometers & HygrometersSauna Signs & Light Fixtures Sauna Seat Covers & CushionsSauna Bath Towels & Wash TextilesSauna Oils & ScentsSOAP & SKINCARESauna Soap & SkincareLumene
FASHION
JewelryKalevala Jewelryaarikka JewelryPohjolan HelmiFinnFeelings Jewelryview allAccessoriesLapuan Kankurit Scarves & ShawlsMarimekko SocksChildren's SocksMarimekko ScarvesMarimekko Umbrellasview allBags & PursesMarimekko Bags & Purses
CANDY & COFFEEMADE IN FINLANDMOOMINALL BRANDS
FEATURED BRANDSArtekiittalaFazerFinlaysonLapuan KankuritMarimekkoPentikview all
SALENEW
About Us Contact Us My Account Shipping Information Order Tracking Frequently Asked Questions Return Policy Privacy Policy Gift Registry Trade Program