Artek Tea Trolley 900 in Birch and White Tile by Alvar Aalto

Artek Tea Trolley 900, designed by Alvar Aalto and made in Finland, combines a sculptural bent-birch frame with a white ceramic-tiled top, large white wheels and a woven rattan basket. Its open construction and contrasting materials give the trolley a distinctive presence while retaining its practical purpose for serving and storage.

The design reflects the meeting of several influences in Aalto’s work. Artek describes the model as drawing on British tea culture as well as Japanese woodwork and architecture. The broad tiled surface is framed in natural birch, while the basket creates a lighter, tactile counterpoint beneath it.

The frame is formed from clear-lacquered birch lamella. The wheels are white-painted MDF, the removable-looking storage element is woven rattan, and the upper surface is finished with white glazed ceramic tiles. The generous handle and large wheels make the trolley suitable for moving drinks, tableware or decorative objects around an interior.

This example remains usable but is in notably worn condition. Its strong patina and visible repairs make it best suited to a customer who appreciates an unrestored, heavily used piece. The condition is documented closely in the accompanying images.