Bertil Vallien first introduced Brains in 1999, having considered the concept for well over a decade. His aim was to capture a sleeping yet breathing soul in the secretive state between dreaming and wakefulness. Long before this, he had heard of Karolina Olsson's piece, "The Sleeping Girl of Oknö." According to the story, she slept for 32 years of her life, and then suddenly awakened one day in April 1908. This narrative has continued to fascinate Bertil, who returns to it in his work time and time again.

In the spring of 2023, as Bertil celebrates 60 years as a glass artist with Kosta Boda, he has created a new collection of Brains. A gift of sorts to those of us who have followed his work over the years and who have never ceased to love his unique ability to reinvigorate glass art. The works included in the Brains Anniversary Edition are slightly larger and heavier than previous releases, resting peacefully on a soft leather cushion.

Annual Brains is handmade in Kosta, Sweden.