Iittala Alvar Aalto Vase Value Guide

The Iittala Alvar Aalto vase is a cornerstone of Finnish modernism, originally designed in 1936 for a Karhula-Iittala glassworks competition. Its radical, fluid shape debuted at the 1937 Paris World's Fair, forever changing decorative arts by replacing rigid geometry with organic forms inspired by Finland's lakes.

What affects the value of Iittala Alvar Aalto Vase?

• Condition of the glass, specifically the absence of 'flea bites,' chips, or internal water clouding.
• The specific color of the glass, as certain limited-edition hues from the 1990-2010 period command higher prices.
• Presence of the original Iittala packaging and documentation which supports the $140-$155 valuation.
• The size of the vase, with the standard 160mm height being the most common benchmark for this price range.

How to Identify Iittala Alvar Aalto Vase?

• Look for the 'Iittala' brand mark or sandblasted 'Alvar Aalto' signature on the base of the glass.
• Examine the rim for a smooth, hand-polished finish characteristic of mouth-blown production.
• Verify the presence of small, unique variations in the glass thickness, which distinguishes mouth-blown pieces from machine-made versions.
• Check for the original 'i' logo sticker, though these may be missing on pre-owned items from the 1990-2010 era.

History of Iittala Alvar Aalto Vase

Designed in 1936 for the Karhula-Iittala glassworks design competition, this vase became a symbol of Finnish design after being showcased at the 1937 World's Fair in Paris. The wave-like shape was inspired by the Finnish landscape and lakes, representing a radical departure from the geometric decorative objects of the time.