Artek 901 Tea Trolley in Black Linoleum by Alvar Aalto

Artek Tea Trolley 901, designed by Alvar Aalto and made in Finland, combines a clear-lacquered birch frame with two black linoleum shelves and large white wheels. Its light, sculptural construction gives the trolley a distinctive presence while remaining practical for serving, storage or display.

Designed in 1936, the model reflects influences that Artek connects to British tea culture and the Japanese woodwork and architecture admired by Aino and Alvar Aalto. The flowing bent-birch loops and restrained material palette are characteristic of Aalto’s approach to functional furniture.

The frame is made from form-bent solid birch lamella with a clear lacquer finish. Both surfaces are finished in black linoleum, while the circular MDF wheels are lacquered white. A solid birch handle completes the two-tier construction.

This 1980s example is in very clean vintage condition. The linoleum surfaces and wheels remain especially tidy, with only very light signs of use visible on the wooden parts.