Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley Model 900, White Tiles, Birch & Rattan, Artek 1960s

One of the most iconic and sought after pieces designed by Alvar Aalto. This traditional, elegant and pragmatic tea cart is made in the style of Scandinavian modern design. The trolley features ceramic tiles, and a rattan basket which makes it perfect for serving tea, coffee, cocktails, breakfast or anything else you can think of. This iconic piece was first displayed at the World Exhibiton in Paris in 1937 and has been a darling ever since.

This beautiful example has a beautiful patina and although has some past lquid stains on the underside, it is in great vintage and structural condition. The rattan box is original and has some darkened spots that only add to the character. The tiles are original and have nice crackling to the surface. Please see pictures and video.

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is a world famous architect and designer. He was well known for designing his own line of furniture and lighting for the numerous buildings that he designed worldwide. His work includes architecture, furniture, textiles, glassware, sculptures and paintings. He never regarded himself as an artist, seeing painting and sculpture as branches of a tree that stem from architecture.

Aalto's career from the 1920s-1970s is reflected in the styles of his work, ranging from Classicism to Modernism and to an organic style from the 1940s onwards. Aalto and his wife Aino were famous for not only designing the buildings, but the interior surfaces, furniture, lamps and even the glassware for those buildings. Aalto's furniture designs are Scandinavian Modernism at its best, especially his technical innovations on the bent plywood furniture, which in turn had a great impact on Mid-Century Modernist furniture.

Aalto's works are highly sought after and some fetch record prices in auctions and the design world. Of course his works are also widely collected and can be found in numerous private collections and famous museums.