The Scandinavian brand tableware " ARABIA" is extremely popular. This has led some to worry that counterfeits are circulating. However, the bottom line is that there are no counterfeits of Arabia tableware .
In this article, we will explain the reasons and background behind why we can say that there are no counterfeits. We will also clarify the difference between "Made in Finland" and "Made in Thailand," which is the source of many misunderstandings, the difference in color between vintage and reproduction versions, and the value of vintage Finnish products. Finally, we will introduce some tips for making a safe purchase.
(The Arabia factory in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, was formerly the home of Arabia tableware and is now a ceramics museum.)
There are no fake Arabian tableware
There are no "fake" Arabia tableware . Some people say that "there seem to be fake Moomin mugs," but there have been no confirmed cases of fakes being distributed. Many of the articles that mention fake Arabia tableware are affiliate sites that direct users to sales sites claiming "This is the genuine product!"
There are also other articles on the Internet that discuss how to spot fakes, but many of them are based on misunderstandings about the differences in manufacturing dates and countries within genuine products . Arabia tableware always has the Arabia factory's stamp (backstamp) , which indicates that the product is genuine and meets official quality standards. On the other hand, all products with this stamp are genuine, so there is no need to assume that they are fake even if there are differences at first glance.
Photo: Production scene at Arabia's Thai factory
So why do people think there are counterfeits? The main reason is the differences between genuine products depending on the country of manufacture and the era . Below, we will take a closer look at the differences between typical examples, such as "Made in Finland" and "Made in Thailand," and the differences between "vintage items" and "reproductions."
Made in Finland vs. Made in Thailand: A major source of misunderstanding
Arabia is a Finnish ceramics brand founded in 1873, but its manufacturing base has now moved outside of Finland . In particular, since the early 2000s, production of some products has gradually shifted overseas, and since 2016, manufacturing has been carried out at contract factories in Thailand and Romania. This means that Arabia products labeled "Made in Thailand " are genuine Arabia products . Many people unknowingly see the "Made in Thailand" stamp and wonder, "Since it's not made in Finland, is it a fake?" This misunderstanding is the main cause of rumors that "counterfeits are circulating."
Photo: The Thai-made product does not have the country of manufacture indicated on the body. The sticker says "Designed in Finland Made in Thailand" (Design: Finland, Made in Thailand).
So what is the difference between Finnish and Thai products? The biggest difference is the manufacturing costs, distribution volume , and ultimately the price . When Arabia tableware was manufactured in Finland, it involved many manual processes by artisans. As a result, production numbers were limited and prices tended to be high . On the other hand, products manufactured overseas, including those made in Thailand, are mass-produced and are available on the market at relatively affordable prices . The automation of the manufacturing process and differences in labor costs are reflected in the price, and there is a clear trend that "Finland-made products are expensive, Thai-made products are cheap."
Surprisingly, Thai -made (and other overseas) products are more stable in terms of quality. Finnish products are handmade, so individual differences and minor manufacturing irregularities (such as slight distortions or black spots) can be seen. Recent products made in Thailand and Romania are more sophisticated and precise, with no crazing (fine cracks in the glaze) or distortions, and fewer black spots, making them superior to Finnish products in terms of finish . In short, newer Thai products, which are outsourced, are actually more uniform and beautifully made. However, in exchange for this high level of perfection as an industrial product , it can also be said that the unique texture and "flavor" of vintage products, as described below, has faded.
To tell the difference, look at the inscription on the backstamp . Products from the Finland-made era had the inscription "ARABIA FINLAND" or "MADE IN FINLAND," but products made overseas, such as those made in Thailand, have the inscription "MADE IN THAILAND" on the sticker . Some recent products have both "Designed in Finland" and "Made in Thailand" written on them. In other words, both are genuine Arabia products, just with different country names stamped on them. Let's take a look at some actual photos.
Photo: The stamp on the back of a current Arabia product (Paratiisi pattern plate) . The sticker at the bottom reads "Designed in Finland / Made in Thailand." This indicates that it is an authentic product designed in Finland and manufactured in Thailand. If there is no sticker and no indication of the country of manufacture on the plate itself, it is Arabia tableware made in Thailand .
As you can see, if you know the difference between countries of production, there is no need to worry that "it's made in Thailand so it must be a fake." If the product is officially made under Arabia's brand management, it is made in Thailand and is genuine .
Why the color tone differs between vintage and reproduction versions
Another common misconception about fakes is the difference between "vintage items" and "reproductions (currently being produced) ." Arabia sometimes re-releases popular designs from the past as reproductions, but the color and texture may differ from the original vintage items. This is due to various factors, such as changes in technology over the years, differences in materials, and the transition from handcrafting to mechanization.
For example, let's look at plates with Arabia's signature design, "Paratiisi." Even though they are both made in Finland, there are differences in the color and line thickness between the originals produced in the 1960s and the later reproductions from the 1980s. The photo below shows an example.
Photo: On the left is the original Paratiisi design from 1968, and on the right is a reproduction from 1988 (both made in Finland) . Even though they have the same design, the depth of the colors of the fruits and flowers and the thickness of the outlines are different.
As you can see, the vintage piece (left) is painted in rich, deep colors and has retained its beautiful luster even after many years. On the other hand, the reproduction version (right) has a slightly more modern, brighter color tone and sharper lines. These differences are due to the glaze blending used at the time of the vintage piece and the intricate brushwork of the artisans. While there were some immature aspects of pottery manufacturing techniques in the old days, the exquisite glaze blending and advanced painting techniques more than make up for this, creating the unique charm that only vintage tableware can offer .
In other words, it's natural that the color and feel will differ between vintage items and later reproductions , and this in itself has no bearing on authenticity. Rather, vintage items have a deep color that current items lack and a luster that remains unchanged over time, and many fans find value in these qualities. Some may worry, wondering if the color of the item they have is different from what they saw online and it might be a fake, but please understand that this is just a difference in texture due to the difference in production date. Even if the design itself is the same, the color may differ depending on the era in which it was made - knowing this will help you avoid unintentionally suspecting a fake.
Why Finnish vintage goods are more expensive
Arabia's Finnish vintage tableware tends to fetch higher prices than current reproductions or foreign-made items. There are two main reasons for this.
1. Scarcity and exclusivity as collector's items – Many Finnish vintage items are no longer in production and are therefore limited in quantity. Original Arabia products made between the 1950s and 1970s are particularly difficult to obtain and are highly sought after in the antiques market and among collectors. In addition, many of the products from that time were handmade by artisans, giving each piece its own unique character and warmth. This value, that "nothing exactly the same can ever be made again," is highly valued and commands a premium price . Limited series with small production numbers, discontinued products, and discontinued sizes also tend to be expensive.
Photo: An early model Paratiisi from 1968. The beauty of this color is impossible to reproduce in current products.
Artistic design and vintage charm
As mentioned above, vintage items can sometimes be superior to current products in terms of depth of color and beautiful luster. In the case of Paratiisi, for example, older oval plates are considered superior in terms of color, luster, and artistic quality. The unique presence created by the hand-painting by skilled painters and the texture of the glazes unique to that time is an appeal not found in modern mass-produced products. For this reason, there are many enthusiasts who say, "I want the original, even if it's a little more expensive." Finnish vintage items are recognized for their collectibility and artistic value , so they are priced higher than reproductions. Old vintage Arabia tableware is so perfect that it's no exaggeration to call it Nordic art .
As mentioned above, the high prices of Finnish vintage items are not due to a vague assumption that "the older the item, the better," but rather a natural result of their scarcity and the quality of their contents . On the other hand, this can also be said to mean that reproductions and current Thai-made items are affordable, easy to obtain, and practical, while Finnish vintage items, although expensive, offer great joy in being part of a collection. Each has its own unique appeal, so it's best to choose one based on your purpose and budget.
Things to consider when purchasing: How to identify a reliable supplier
Finally, here are some tips to help you buy Arabia vintage tableware with confidence. As mentioned above, there are generally no low-quality products on the market that can be identified as fakes. However, since it is an expensive purchase, you should pay attention to the following points when choosing where to buy so that you don't end up regretting your purchase and thinking, "It's not what I expected."
• Use authorized dealers and reputable shops :
The safest way is to buy from an authorized dealer that officially handles Arabia products or a long-established Scandinavian vintage specialty store. There is no need to worry about counterfeits, but if you go to an authorized dealer or a trustworthy shop, they will have strict quality control and will respond appropriately if there is a problem with the condition of the product.
• When buying online, check seller ratings and site safety :
When purchasing from flea market sites, auction sites, or parallel import online stores, be sure to check the seller's ratings and other transaction history. Be wary of sellers with clearly poor ratings or listings that are too low compared to the market price. In recent years, there have been many phishing sites that use photos from online flea markets such as Mercari .
Before jumping on the "What a bargain!" bandwagon, make sure the price is really reasonable. If the price is unnaturally low , it could be a used item in poor condition, or in the worst case scenario, it could be a scam website .
• Please check the product photos carefully to see the condition :
Before purchasing, make sure the Arabia backstamp on the back of the item is clearly visible . As mentioned above, genuine Arabia pieces will have some kind of engraved logo, although the design may vary slightly depending on the era and series. Also, be sure to check the photos carefully to see if there are any cracks or chips, or if the design is worn. If the seller is trustworthy, they should be able to answer any questions you may have politely.
• Gain expertise or consult an expert :
This applies not only to Arabia but to vintage tableware in general, but it's reassuring to have some knowledge about Arabia tableware. For example, researching the differences in backstamps by era and the characteristics of famous designer series can be helpful when making a purchase. It's also a good idea to gather information from books and the web, or read blogs by knowledgeable collectors. If you're still unsure, it's a good idea to consult a specialist Nordic vintage store. We will answer any questions you may have, so please contact us usingthe inquiry form (it may take some time for us to respond if we are busy).
If you keep these points in mind, you will be able to choose Arabia vintage tableware wisely and purchase with confidence . If you understand the differences between genuine products, you will no longer be unnecessarily suspicious that your purchase is fake.
summary
To clear up misconceptions about Arabia vintage tableware, we explained that counterfeits basically do not exist, the differences between Finnish and Thai-made products, and the differences in color between vintage and reproduction items. There are good reasons why Finnish vintage tableware is so expensive, and it is by no means unnecessarily prized. The important thing is to have the right knowledge and be able to discern the appeal of the real thing .
Furthermore, modern reproduction Arabian tableware can be purchased for just a few thousand yen . There is no merit in producing copies of such inexpensive items, which is also one of the reasons why there are no counterfeits.
Be sure to pick up your favorite item from a trusted store and enjoy living with Arabia tableware.