Iittala, イッタラ, 이탈라 - Royal SiO2

IITTALA - From a small glass village to a global design icon


The story of Iittala began in 1881, when Swedish master glassmaker Peter Magnus Abrahamson left the Nuutajärvi Glassworks to establish a new factory in the small Finnish village of Iittala. At the time, there was little to suggest that this quiet rural community would one day become one of the world's most respected names in design. Surrounded by forests, clean lakes and connected by a newly built railway, Iittala offered everything needed for glass production.

  • In its early years, the factory produced practical everyday items such as bottles, oil lamps and window glass. Everything changed during the 1930s, when Iittala embraced a new design philosophy that placed function, simplicity and timeless beauty at the heart of every object.

  • From that moment, Iittala became home to some of Finland's most influential designers. Alvar Aalto, Tapio Wirkkala, Kaj Franck, Timo Sarpaneva, Oiva Toikka and Heikki Orvola each helped shape the company's identity and establish Iittala as one of the world's leading Scandinavian design brands.

  • Today, Iittala is celebrated for timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship and objects that combine beauty with everyday functionality. Its iconic creations continue to inspire designers and are cherished by collectors around the world.

Timeline

  • 1881 – Iittala Glassworks is founded by Swedish master glassmaker Peter Magnus Abrahamson in the village of Iittala.

    Early 1900s – The factory expands its production of household, utility and industrial glass, becoming one of Finland's leading glass manufacturers.

    1917 – Iittala is acquired by A. Ahlström Corporation, beginning the Karhula–Iittala era that would shape the future of Finnish glass design.

    1936 – Alvar Aalto wins the Karhula–Iittala glass design competition with the revolutionary vase design that would become one of the world's most recognisable glass objects.

    1937 – The first Aalto Vases are produced at Karhula and presented at the Paris World Exposition, bringing international recognition to Finnish design.

    1956 – Timo Sarpaneva creates the iconic red "i" symbol, which later becomes the trademark of Iittala.

    1950s–1970s – Iittala becomes a leading force in modern Finnish design through the work of Kaj Franck, Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.

    1972 – Oiva Toikka introduces the first Birds by Toikka collection, one of the most celebrated series in Finnish art glass.

    1988 – A. Ahlström Corporation and Wärtsilä merge Iittala, Nuutajärvi, Humppila and Napapiirin Lasi into Iittala-Nuutajärvi Oy. Ahlström retains 70% of the company and Wärtsilä 30%, bringing four important Finnish glassworks under one organisation.

    2007 – Iittala becomes part of the Fiskars Group, strengthening its position as one of the world's leading Scandinavian design brands.

    2024 – Iittala introduces a new IITTALA wordmark, replacing the iconic red "i" logo that had represented the brand for nearly seven decades.

    Today – More than 140 years after its founding, Iittala remains one of the world's leading Scandinavian design brands. Its timeless creations continue to be used, collected and admired around the world.

Why collectors love Iittala

  • Few design companies have shaped twentieth-century Scandinavian design as profoundly as Iittala. Almost every decade has introduced a new design classic that has become internationally recognised. From the sculptural elegance of the Aalto Vase to the playful Birds by Toikka collection and the timeless simplicity of Teema tableware, Iittala has consistently demonstrated that exceptional design can also be practical.

  • Today, Iittala pieces are displayed in leading museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, while at the same time remaining part of everyday life in millions of homes. That unique combination of artistic excellence, functionality and lasting quality is what continues to make Iittala one of the world's most collected Scandinavian design brands.

Iittala legends

Alvar Aalto, アルヴァ・アールト, 알바 아알토 - Royal SiO2

Alvar Aalto

Most iconic design is the Aalto Vase by Alvar Aalto

Discover the works of Alvar Aalto
Tapio Wirkkala, タピオ・ヴィルッカラ, 타피오 빌카라 - Royal SiO2

Tapio Wirkkala

Most internationally awarded designer

Discover the works of Tapio Wirkkala
Timo Sarpaneva, ティモ・サルパネヴァ, 티모 사르파네바 - Royal SiO2

Timo Sarpaneva

Most technically challenging design is Orkidea by Timo Sarpaneva

Discover the works of Timo Sarpaneva
Heikki Orvola, ヘイッキ・オルヴォラ, 헤이키 오르볼라 - Royal SiO2

Heikki Orvola

The master of colour and form

Discover the works of Heikki Orvola

Did you know?

  • Iittala wasn't originally a design brand

    For nearly fifty years, Iittala focused on producing everyday glassware such as bottles, tableware and lighting. Only during the 1930s did design become the company's defining philosophy.

  • The famous red "i" came much later

    Although Iittala was founded in 1881, its iconic red "i" logo did not appear until 1956. It was designed by Timo Sarpaneva, and has since become one of the most recognised symbols in Scandinavian design.

  • Good design never goes out of style

    Many Iittala designs created over 50 years ago are still part of the company's collection today, proving that timeless design can outlive changing trends.

  • Iittala was never meant to be luxury

    Unlike many premium brands, Iittala has always believed that good design belongs in everyday life. The company's philosophy has never been about creating objects for display cabinets, but about producing beautiful, functional pieces that can be enjoyed every day and passed from one generation to the next.

  • The Aalto Vase began as a competition entry

    In 1936, architect Alvar Aalto submitted an unusual flowing vase design to the Karhula-Iittala design competition. The following year it was showcased at the 1937 Paris World Fair, where it quickly became one of the most celebrated objects in modern design history. Today, the Aalto Vase remains one of the world's most recognisable glass designs.

  • Early Iittala glass was greenish

    The earliest glass produced at Iittala often had a green tint and contained small air bubbles. This was caused by naturally occurring iron in the sand used for glassmaking, together with the limitations of nineteenth-century production techniques.

Every Arabia piece reflects more than 150 years of Finnish craftsmanship, artistry and everyday life. At Royal SiO₂, we carefully select original pieces that keep this cherished tradition alive.

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