Iittala Alvar Aalto Collection Finnish sand

ALVAR AALTO COLLECTION

In 1936, Alvar Aalto’s series of glass vases won first prize in the 1936 Karhula-Iittala Glass Design Competition. Compared to the decorative objects of the time, the simple yet organic shape of this vase was a revolutionary statement. Since then, the Aalto vase has become a symbol of Finnish design and one of the most famous glass objects in the world.

Each and every vase in the Alvar Aalto Collection continues to be mouthblown at the Iittala factory and comes in a wide range of colours and sizes. The collection is a staple of modern Scandinavian design and Iittala’s most iconic series. Additional items inspired by Aalto and created by Pentagon Design such as steel bowls, wooden platters and tealight candleholders can also be found in the Alvar Aalto Collection.

Iittala Designer Alvar Aalto

ALVAR AALTO

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is a recognized master of modern architecture and design. Born in Kuortane, Finland, Aalto began to make his distinct mark in design shortly after receiving his architectural degree from Helsinki Polytechnic in 1921. In 1924, Aalto married fellow architect Aino Marsio, creating a lifelong partnership that built an international design legacy. During his remarkable career, Aalto designed major public institutions including concert halls, museums, universities, libraries as well as private homes throughout the world. Aalto’s furniture and houseware designs derived organically from his architectural work.

Aalto’s unique aesthetic helped to define Finnish design as well as introduce it to a global audience. Aalto hallmarks include a harmonious relationship with nature, functionalism combined with beauty, excellent attention to details and an ingenious use of materials. Aalto’s designs were already being exhibited internationally as early as the 1930s, including at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. When Aalto premiered his “Savoy Vase” at the 1937 Paris World Fair, it instantly caused a sensation. The legendary vase is one of the world’s most famous glass objects and remains a timeless staple for Iittala.
Iittala Alvar Aalto vases

Reshaping timelessness

In 1936 Alvar Aalto shaped groundbreaking forms of glass, later known as Iittala’s Alvar Aalto Collection. This is where timeless design began for us. Versatile, always in season and made to last from generation to generation. This legacy together with the Nordic lifestyle of functional beauty is what has guided Iittala ever since.

Iittala Alvar Aalto vases

Mouthblown at Iittala Glass Factory in Finland

At the core of this lasting design is unique craftmanship. Like all the glass items in the Aalto collection, also the two new vases and a bowl now being released from the original collection are created at our own Glass Factory in Finland. Using sophisticated methods like mouth blowing and hand cutting, each vase becomes an unparalleled work of design. They are the ever-contemporary centerpieces that carry the idea of lasting beauty from season to season, year to year.