Savoy Vase by Alvar Aalto

Originally designed in 1936 for the Karhula-Iittala glassworks competition and introduced publicly at the 1937 Paris World Fair, the iconic Savoy Vase by Alvar Aalto stands among the defining works of twentieth-century Scandinavian design. Its free-flowing asymmetrical form marked a radical departure from the rigid decorative conventions of the period.

The vase later became associated with Helsinki's Savoy Restaurant, from which it takes its commonly used name. Though interpretations vary, the undulating silhouette has often been linked to Finland's lakes, landscapes and organic natural forms - ideas central to Aalto's wider architectural and design philosophy.

Each piece is mouth-blown at the Iittala glass factory in Finland by skilled glass artisans using a production process that remains closely tied to traditional Finnish glassmaking techniques. The vase’s fluid contours make it particularly demanding to manufacture, requiring careful hand-finishing to achieve its characteristic asymmetrical silhouette and refined clarity of form.

This model is the taller 251 mm clear glass version and is presented with its original Iittala box. A significant piece of Finnish design history, equally suited as a sculptural object or functional vase.

Designer: Alvar Aalto (1898–1976)
Manufacturer: Iittala
Made in Finland
Material: Pressed clear glass
Height: 251 mm