An icon of glass design since 1936... When the designer and architect Alvar Aalto conceived his unique vase, nature was the inspiration. Today its curved shapes are legendary and Aalto's vase is a world-renowned classic of Finnish design.
The Savoy vase with its characteristic shapes is the cornerstone of the Alvar Aalto collection by Iittala. Even today, the Finnish company regularly launches new colour variations of the vase. In addition, there are numerous products ranging from lanterns to bowls and chopping boards, all of which are characterised by the curved wave form.
The Savoy vase has become a real collector's item over the years. Since its 50th birthday in 1986, Iittala has presented special models every decade. For example, the numbered green vases for the 50th anniversary are much sought-after, but the ruby red version has also acquired considerable value. For all collectors and design lovers, Iittala now also offers a miniature of the Savoy vase. A special collector's item here is the red mini vase, which comes in a matching oak box and is limited to 1000 pieces.
The connection between Alvar Aalto and Iittala goes back to the time of the Savoy vase: originally Aalto created his vase for a competition of the Karhula-Iittala glassworks on the occasion of the 1937 World Exhibition in Paris. Under the name "Lederhosen of an Eskimo Woman" (in the above mentioned: "Eskimoerindens Skinnbuxa") Alvar Aalto submitted three designs at that time and was awarded first prize.
The vase was later used in the luxury restaurant "Savoy" furnished by Aalto. In addition to the various furnishings designed by Aalto, the guests' attention was mainly focused on the vases that were placed on each table. Soon her rather idiosyncratic name "Lederhosen of an Eskimo Woman" fell into oblivion and from then on she was called "Savoy Vase" after the hotel of the same name.
Alvar Aalto was a designer and architect. Highly respected worldwide, he ranks alongside Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright among the "big four" in the architecture and design of the 20. Century.