SHIVA VASE

The Shiva Vase is both a sculpture and a vase. It is a symbol of Ettore Sottsass and an icon. Sottsass designed the Shiva Vase in 1973 when he traveled to Barcelona for love. During his travels, he encountered many cultures and religious symbols and found diverse inspiration. The smooth, curved body of the vase refers to the Hindu god Shiva, who is often represented by a phallic "lingam" votive sculpture. The vase is characterized by clear symmetry, with its vibrant color playing across the form in a brilliant glaze. The Shiva Vases are "small architectures ... like small monuments" that generate energy wherever they are placed.