Architect Alvar Aalto drew inspiration from nature to create his signature waves. True symbols of Scandinavian glass design, each Aalto vase is mouth blown, hand cut and polished at the Iittala Glass Factory in Finland. In 1936, when the Aalto vases were first designed, the sand used to make glass wasn't as pure as the sand we use today. That's why one of the original colors used for Aalto vases had a light green shade, a color which we today refer to as "1937 clear". The new 7.1" Aalto vase is an Aalto original from the 1930s, but it is smaller in size, making it suitable for individual flowers or small seasonal bouquets.

When Alvar Aalto made sketches for his glassware, which rose to cult status, he added a small piece of tissue paper to one of his four drawings. On it, he urged people to use their glassware in diverse ways: for example, trays, fruit bowls and vases. Forever contemporary since 1936, the Aalto vase is one of the major modern design icons from the 20th Century. The unique and abidingly contemporary form is just as fresh today as it was in 1936.

Inspired by waves ("aalto" in Finnish) in the water, the vase is a symbol of Finnish design and one of the most famous glass objects in the world. Each and every vase in the Alvar Aalto Collection continues to be mouth blown at the Iittala factory and comes in a wide range of colors and sizes. The Collection is a staple of modern Scandinavian design and Iittala's most iconic series. Additional items inspired by Aalto and created by Pentagon Design such as steel bowls, wooden platters and votives can also be found in the Alvar Aalto Collection.