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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur

This lovely and stylish rattan tray was designed and made by Artek in Finland during the 1960s. It is hand woven from cane and rattan, and exemplifies Artek's commitment to blending functionality, craftsmanship, and aesthetics.

Artek, the renowned Finnish design company, founded in 1935 by Alvar and Aino Aalto, made significant contributions to the world of design during the mid-20th century. Artek was quite revolutionary, even in its time, realizing the benefits of some materials early on. Their rattan items, crafted by skilled artisans, are still sought after today and for a good reason: cane and rattan are surging in demand due to their durability and eco-friendly nature. Retailers and manufacturers became ever more creative with the materials in the mid-20th century, crafting exquisite designs in forms and structures that were not possible with the use of wood. The textured, organic lines of this tray reveal the skill of Artek's craftsmen, who transformed humble materials into dazzling, functional artifacts. The true charm of this piece, besides its carefully crafted rattan body, is its simplicity. Finnish designers excelled in turning everyday utilitarian objects into pieces of functional art. In this vein of master craftsmanship, Artek's design philosophy was deeply rooted in the idea that everyday objects should be both practical and visually appealing. This rattan tray epitomizes this ethos. It effortlessly combines form and function, making it not only a serving accessory but also a captivating piece of design that could adorn any interior.

This Artek produced rattan tray remains representative of the era's design sentiments. Its enduring allure continues to captivate design enthusiasts, preserving Artek's legacy as a pioneer of 20th-century design.

Condition:

In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and cracks due to the material’s natural qualities.

Dimensions:

20.47 in W x 14.96 in D x 2.55 in H

52 cm W x 38 cm D x 6.5 cm H

About the producer:

Artek was founded in 1935 in Helsinki by the young idealists Aino and Alvar Aalto, Maire Gullichsen, and Nils-Gustav Hahl to “sell furniture and promote a modern culture of living by exhibitions and other educational means.”

The name Artek is a synthesis of "art" and ‘technology’ – concepts central to the international modernist movement that came to prominence in the 1920s. It was Walter Gropius, a key proponent of modernism, who coined the motto ‘art and technology – a new unity.’ Technology was understood to include science and industrial production methods, while the conception of art extended beyond the fine arts to encompass architecture and design.

Modernism aimed to achieve a fruitful union of these two spheres. This same aspiration guided the founders of Artek in their naming of the company.

In keeping with the radical spirit of its founders, Artek today remains an innovative player in the world of modern design, developing new products at the intersection of design, architecture, and art.

The Artek collection consists of furniture, lighting, and accessories designed by Finnish masters and leading international designers. It stands for clarity, functionality, and poetic simplicity.