Artek - Alvar Aalto - Serving trolley - 901 - Birch, Laminated





€1,250 | ||
|---|---|---|
€725 | ||
€625 |
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Tea Trolley 901 by Alvar Aalto, produced by Artek in birch plywood with laminate, Finland, in the Design style, estimated period 1980–1990, dimensions 90 cm wide by 50 cm deep by 56 cm high, in very good condition with minor signs of wear and age.
Description from the seller
Organic and Functional Architecture: Tea Serving Cart “Tea Trolley 901” – Alvar Aalto Design – Original Artek Production
We present at auction one of the most famous and representative works of Scandinavian modernism: the Tea Trolley 901 serving cart, designed by master Alvar Aalto in 1936 and produced by Artek. Inspired by British tea culture and influenced by the Japanese architectures loved by Aalto, this furniture turns a functional object into a true domestic sculpture, celebrated for its extraordinary visual lightness.
Design and History: The Mastery of Curved Wood
The Tea Trolley 901 encapsulates the core principles of Alvar Aalto’s research into birch plywood:
Continuous Mesh Frame: The supporting structure is realized using the renowned technique of curved birch plywood bend, defining a continuous cycle that forms both the handles and the wheel support.
Sculpted Wheels: The two large rubber wheels represent the project’s graphical and distinctive trait, ensuring stability and ease of movement.
Functionality and Materials: The two shelves offer ample surface area for managing the board or for presenting art objects in a living environment.
Lot Condition: Excellent Conservational State
The auction specimen presents in excellent general use conditions:
- Birch Wood Structure: The birch plywood frame is solid, well aligned, and free of cracks or structural defects. The wood finish preserves its warm natural tone with a sober and pleasant patina of time, with only minor signs of age.
- Shelves and Wheels: The surfaces of the shelves are well preserved, clean and intact; the rubber wheels rotate with fluidity and stability.
Dimensions
Width: 90 cm
Depth: 50 cm
Height: 56 cm
The Designer: Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), among the founding fathers of modern architecture and design, revolutionized the rationalist movement by introducing organic forms, material warmth, and the technology of bending birch wood. His works are exhibited in the world’s most important museums, including MoMA in New York.
The Manufacturer: Artek
Founded in Helsinki in 1935 by Alvar and Aino Aalto together with Nils-Gustaf Hahl and Maire Gullichsen, Artek was born with the aim of promoting the culture of modern living through the synthesis of art, technology, and nature.
Shipping and Insurance
Our company ORVETT includes transport insurance in the indicated shipping rates. For overseas shipments, we will provide a personalized quote after the auction concludes based on the final destination of the lot.
Seller's Story
Organic and Functional Architecture: Tea Serving Cart “Tea Trolley 901” – Alvar Aalto Design – Original Artek Production
We present at auction one of the most famous and representative works of Scandinavian modernism: the Tea Trolley 901 serving cart, designed by master Alvar Aalto in 1936 and produced by Artek. Inspired by British tea culture and influenced by the Japanese architectures loved by Aalto, this furniture turns a functional object into a true domestic sculpture, celebrated for its extraordinary visual lightness.
Design and History: The Mastery of Curved Wood
The Tea Trolley 901 encapsulates the core principles of Alvar Aalto’s research into birch plywood:
Continuous Mesh Frame: The supporting structure is realized using the renowned technique of curved birch plywood bend, defining a continuous cycle that forms both the handles and the wheel support.
Sculpted Wheels: The two large rubber wheels represent the project’s graphical and distinctive trait, ensuring stability and ease of movement.
Functionality and Materials: The two shelves offer ample surface area for managing the board or for presenting art objects in a living environment.
Lot Condition: Excellent Conservational State
The auction specimen presents in excellent general use conditions:
- Birch Wood Structure: The birch plywood frame is solid, well aligned, and free of cracks or structural defects. The wood finish preserves its warm natural tone with a sober and pleasant patina of time, with only minor signs of age.
- Shelves and Wheels: The surfaces of the shelves are well preserved, clean and intact; the rubber wheels rotate with fluidity and stability.
Dimensions
Width: 90 cm
Depth: 50 cm
Height: 56 cm
The Designer: Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), among the founding fathers of modern architecture and design, revolutionized the rationalist movement by introducing organic forms, material warmth, and the technology of bending birch wood. His works are exhibited in the world’s most important museums, including MoMA in New York.
The Manufacturer: Artek
Founded in Helsinki in 1935 by Alvar and Aino Aalto together with Nils-Gustaf Hahl and Maire Gullichsen, Artek was born with the aim of promoting the culture of modern living through the synthesis of art, technology, and nature.
Shipping and Insurance
Our company ORVETT includes transport insurance in the indicated shipping rates. For overseas shipments, we will provide a personalized quote after the auction concludes based on the final destination of the lot.

