Small Aalto Vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala - Finland

Alvar Aalto first showed this deliriously wavy vase at the World's Fair in 1937, its sinuous lines and shape caused an instant sensation. 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.