Alvar Aalto Highback Tank Arm Chair Model A 38 in Sheepskin, Artek 1940s

A beautiful early version of the A38 “high back” Tank chair by Alvar Aalto. A substantial and commanding piece, this is among the rarer chair models in Aalto’s oeuvre and remains seldom seen on the market.

The chair is in beautiful condition and has been newly reupholstered in a mink colour sheepskin that complements the warmth of the bent birch frame.

This version of the iconic Tank chair features the distinctive high back with subtle “ears,” reminiscent of the model 401 armchairs, yet executed here on a much grander and heavier scale. The proportions are generous, the presence architectural. It is a chair that does not merely furnish a room but defines it. The design originates from the 1930s, with this example dating to the 1940s. The model has not been in production for Artek for decades, which further enhances its rarity and desirability among collectors.

Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) was one of the most influential architects and designers of the twentieth century. Throughout his career, he created holistic environments, designing not only buildings but also the furniture, lighting, textiles, and glassware that inhabited them. He never considered himself simply an artist; rather, he saw painting and sculpture as branches of a larger architectural vision.

From early Classicism to Modernism and later to a softer, organic language from the 1940s onward, Aalto’s work reflects a constant evolution. Together with his wife Aino Aalto, he shaped interiors down to the smallest detail. His technical innovations in bent plywood furniture became cornerstones of Scandinavian Modernism and had a lasting influence on Mid-Century design internationally. Today, Aalto’s works are highly sought after, achieving strong results at auction and holding places in important private collections and major museums worldwide.