The Savoy Vase (1985.141)

This clear crystal, amorphically-shaped vase is named for the Savoy, the Helsinki restaurant which opened in 1937, and for which Scandinavian designer Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), together with his wife, designed the interior and furnishings. The vases were placed on every table, and their fluid shape allowed for a different, more natural floral arrangement.

The vase’s flowing, organic shape reflects Aalto’s belief in the “biology” of building. It was, however, not custom-made for the restaurant. It was part of a series of glassware designs with which Aalto entered, and won, the 1936 competition organized by Finland’s prominent glassworks, Karhula and Iittala. The Iittala factory, which still produces both the Savoy vase and other vases of the series, uses the designation “Aalto” for all of them, and distinguishes between the different types only by their product number. Aalto is said to have alleged that the lines of the sinuous lines of the vase came to him by considering the shape of a puddle. Interestingly, “Aalto” is Finnish for “wave.”

By designing shapes such as this into his architecture and furniture, Aalto is said to be responsible for the humanization of the International style, which in its austerity and regularity is sometimes considered otherwise cold and inaccessible. Architect, city planner, and industrial designer, Aalto is considered to have been one of the greatest modern designers.

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