In 2017, the Aalto vase (Savoy) celebrated its 80th anniversary and today it is the most recognizable accessory inherent in the Scandinavian interior design style.

We delved into his stories and found out why he is so popular.

Do you want to know? Now tell!

In 1936, the factories for the production of tableware Karhula and Iittala organized a competition among glass designers. The Aalto couple presented their sketches of glass products on it, 10 of which were already put on the mass production conveyor in 1937. But the best of these sketches was recognized as a glass vase of an asymmetrical, wavy shape, which today is the most recognizable accessory in Scandinavian-style interiors.

The original name of the vase sounded like Eskimo Pants. Then for a long time it was called Vaza Savoy (Savoy), since Alvar Aalto designed it for the interior of the restaurant of the same name. And only years later, the famous accessory began to bear the name (or rather, the surname) of its creator.

Someone sees in this vase the sea coast, someone the image of Finland with its many lakes. But few people know that the first Aalto vase owes its shape to a unique way of creation: several sticks of different diameters were stuck into the ground, on which “hung” red-hot glass. In the process of cooling, it deformed and acquired its so recognizable shape. Until now, each Aalto vase is made by hand and stands on the European market from 93 euros.

The uniqueness and, as a result, the popularity of the Aalto vase became due to the conceptual rethinking of the essence of the object in the domestic space. Vases Aalto were at the same time practical, aesthetic and carried in themselves features of abstract art.

Until now, Aalto vases do not go out of fashion, designers actively use them in the design of living rooms, bedrooms and even study rooms. Having become a symbol of a new era in the history of interior design, the shape of the Aalto vase is now found far beyond its production: in ice tins, cutting boards, aquariums.

But perhaps the most surprising and saddest fact in the history of an Aalto vase is the fact that its creator, over 80 years of popularity of its creation, has not received a single cent from its sales. Since Aalto’s sketch was competitive work, all rights to use it still belong to the Iittala factory.

Do you like Aalto vases? Tell us about it in the comments!