iittala’s most iconic series, the Aalto vase, has become one of the most famous glass objects in the world. First introduced in 1936 by renowned Finnish designer and architect Alvar Aalto (1898 - 1976), the Aalto vase was originally designed for the Karhula-Iittala Glass Design Competition where it won first prize. This creation was a revolutionary statement compared to the ornate decorative objects at the time due to its contemporary, organic and unique shape. It wasn’t until the following year that it gained world-wide fame and recognition as iittala had unveiled it at the 1937 World’s Fair in Paris, France. The Finnish word Aalto translates to “wave,” however, the Aalto vase is also referred to as the Savoy vase because it was used as a centerpiece in the Savoy restaurant in Helsinki in 1937. The restaurant continues to use Aalto’s vases on their tables even today.

There are numerous stories about what inspired the design of this iconic vase. Some believe that it’s based on Aalto’s drawings of a Sami woman’s dress (the sketch is titled “The Eskimo Woman’s Leather Breeches”), while others says that the fluid shape might be inspired by the outline of a Finnish lake. Regardless of its mysterious origins, one thing remains indisputable: its timeless beauty. The vase boasts five different arcs of all different sizes that eventually connect at each end, creating its beloved shape. Although it was made more than 85 years ago, the vase still stands as contemporary as ever due to the emphasis on intentional asymmetrical lines and simple shapes in today’s modern design trends. Aalto’s creation was truly ahead of his time, and will remain unaffected by the passage of design trends due to its stunning form.

Each iittala Alvar Aalto Vase is still crafted from its original mouth-blown process by Finland’s most skilled glassblowers at iittala’s Glass Factory. While the fluid form feels like a natural occurrence, it takes 7 craftsmen, 12 work stages and 30 hours to create just one of these extraordinary vases. The glass is first mouth-blown and shaped with a mold, where the pre-treated molten glass is poured into. The glass eventually makes it distinctive wavy shape when the glass is continuously blown against the sides, and it follows with a long cooling process and last finishing touches. Each vase is then machine etched with “ALVAR AALTO IITTALA” on the base for authenticity, stamped with iittala’s famous “i” logo sticker, packaged up and ready for the market.

Alvar Aalto’s famous vase design has been recreated by iittala, keeping his vision alive through faithful reproductions of his work. Throughout the years there have been new colors and sizes, as well as renditions of this famous shape into new objects such as cutting boards, candleholders, and bowls. Aalto vases can be seen anywhere and everywhere, from living rooms and restaurants to museums and universities around the globe. A rarity to not see in the homes of Finns or Scandinavian design enthusiasts, the Aalto vase is a piece of art and a true symbol of authentic Finnish design.