Iittala Alvar Aalto Glass Vase – 3.7″h

When Finnish design legend Alvar Aalto first showed this deliriously wavy vase at the World’s Fair in 1937, its sinuous lines and shape caused an instant sensation. Today, this undulating masterpiece is still a best seller at powerhouse glass manufacturer Iittala, which is featured in MoMA’s collection, as is the Aalto Vase itself. Its mysterious shape has been the subject of much speculation; some say it is based on Aalto’s sketches entitled, “The Eskimo Woman’s Leather Breeches.” Others believe that the fluid shape might be inspired by the lines of the Finnish landscape. Either way, the vessel’s organic form is not only beautiful to look at, it also lends itself perfectly to flower arrangements. Each lead-free crystal piece is mouth-blown into a mold and hand-polished by skilled craftsmen in the Iittala factory.