Lauvaara Crystal Vase (Model 3820)

Name: Lauvaara Crystal Vase (Model 3820)
Brand: Rene
Availability: LimitedAvailability

A mid-century modern 'Lauvaara' crystal vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, sitting on a rosewood shelf in a gallery. - view 1

1/3

Scarce (6/10)

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QUICK FACTS

DESCRIPTION

A sculptural crystal glass vase, model 3820 "Lauvaara," designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala. The vase features a heavy, asymmetrical form with deep, sharp, irregular facets that masterfully capture and refract light, evoking the imagery of melting ice or a natural crystal formation. This piece is a hallmark of Scandinavian Modern design.

CULTURAL ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Scandinavian Modernism1940s-1970s

This vase is an archetypal example of the movement, emphasizing organic forms derived from nature, truth to materials (honesty of the glass), and high-quality craftsmanship.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•Collecting and displaying high-design objects as a way to integrate art into daily domestic life, a core tenet of the mid-century modern ethos.

Meaning Through Time

1950s

Symbol of post-war recovery, innovative national identity for Finland, and the democratization of 'art' for the home.

Present Day

A highly collectible piece of design history, representing the enduring appeal of organic modernism and investment-grade decorative art.

HISTORICAL STORY

Designed in the 1950s, the "Lauvaara" vase is a product of the post-war "golden age" of Finnish design. Tapio Wirkkala's work for Iittala was instrumental in building Finland's international design reputation. His pieces, inspired by the rugged Finnish landscape, transformed functional glassware ...

DID YOU KNOW?

Tapio Wirkkala found much of his inspiration in nature, and his glass designs are often compared to melting ice from Lapland, a region he deeply cherished.

Many of Wirkkala's early glass prototypes were carved first in wood or plaster, allowing him to perfect the complex, organic forms before they were recreated in glass molds.

MATERIAL & CONDITION

Surface

Highly polished, clear crystal with sharp, hand-cut facets creating a complex, glossy surface that brilliantly refracts light.

Weight & Feel

Substantial and heavy, characteristic of thick-walled, high-quality lead crystal of its size.

Condition

The vase appears to be in excellent vintage condition, with high clarity and no visible chips, cracks, or significant scratches from the provided angles.

RARITY ANALYSIS

Scarce80-90%

CommonLegendary

Genuinely harder to find. Perhaps only dozens come to market annually. Collectors actively watch for these pieces.

Typical Characteristics

Dozens per year at market
Documented provenance valued
Active collector pursuit

ESTIMATED VALUE

$700 - $1,400

Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Market comparables from auctions & retail
Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
Current collector demand & trends
Low = quick sale, High = patient seller

For informational purposes only—not a formal appraisal.

CONTEXT ANALYSIS

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

User belief in the item's authenticity is strongly supported by the visible gallery label, which identifies it as a 'Lauvaara' vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, and by the vase's design, which is fully consistent with this attribution.