Few objects in modern design possess the quiet poetry of Alvar Aalto’s Savoy Vase. Designed in 1936 for the Savoy restaurant in Helsinki, this piece—undulating, organic, and deeply evocative—has transcended its functional origins to become an icon of 20th-century design.

Aalto’s approach to the vase was revolutionary. While glassware at the time was often rigidly symmetrical, he sought to create something that echoed the fluidity of nature.

 

Inspired by the the folds of a Sami woman’s traditional clothing, Aalto submitted a series of freehand sketches to a design competition for the Finnish glass company Karhula-Iittala.

 

The final form was realised through the experimental process of mouth-blown glass, with master artisans shaping each piece by hand.

The Iittala glass factory, where the Savoy Vase is still produced today, remains one of the few places where traditional glassblowing techniques are preserved at such a high level. Each vase is made using a wooden mould, a technique that ensures no two pieces are ever completely identical. The process is as much about intuition as it is about skill—glassblowers must work quickly yet precisely, responding to the material’s constant movement as it transitions from liquid to solid.

The result is an object that feels almost alive—a form that seems to shift depending on how it is viewed. As Aalto himself put it, “Beauty is the harmony of purpose and form.” The vase’s asymmetric shape allows for countless interpretations, encouraging users to arrange flowers, branches, or even empty space within its sculptural contours.

 

But why does the Savoy Vase continue to captivate us nearly a century after its creation? Perhaps it is because Aalto understood that beauty is not about perfection, but about resonance. His designs do not impose themselves; they invite interaction, offering a dialogue between material, maker, and user.

Beyond its aesthetic and functional appeal, the Savoy Vase has become a calling card—a shorthand for an appreciation of design. To own one is to recognise the value of craftsmanship. It makes a wonderful gift, not only because of its beauty but because it carries with it a sense of legacy and artistic intent.

 

Today, the Savoy Vase remains as relevant as ever—a testament to the power of organic form and the timelessness of thoughtful design. Whether placed on a dining table or displayed as an art piece, it carries with it the essence of Aalto’s philosophy: that great design is not just seen, but felt.