‘Crosses’ vases by Bodil Kjær

The form: A collection of cross-shaped glass vases with a textured exterior in a variety of heights and subdued colours. What makes them special: Danish architect, designer and professor Bodil Kjær was a household name in Denmark in the 1960s and ’70s, designing some of the most iconic furniture and lighting pieces of the period such as her Office Unit desk. This sells for up to US$27,000 as a vintage piece and was featured in three James Bond films. She designed the ‘Crosses’ vases in 1961, initially as both vases and ashtrays that could sit one inside the other. These were produced from 1962 to 1978 and are now considered collectors’ items. The design was reissued by Danish glass manufacturer Holmegaard in September 2017 and was the first of a host of Kjær designs to be reissued by companies including Fritz Hansen, Carl Hansen and Karakter. Each ‘Crosses’ vase is hand blown and, as such, is a unique piece with minor variations in wall thickness, exterior texture and colour distribution. The vases look impressive when displayed without any floral element – on a sideboard, shelf or table – but come alive when filled with loosely arranged flowers or a single stem or branch. It was Kjær’s intention to create a vase that was not for a standard upright bunch of flowers but, due to the number and position of the shoulders in the design, could allow for more individual arrangements. The collection is available in three sizes: 12, 18 and 23cm high, and three colours; clear, smoke grey and green (although not every size is available in every colour). Expect to pay: $72 for 12cm vase, $126 for 18cm and $148 for 23cm vase. Buy at: Top 3 By Design, top3.com.au.