The difference between "Nordic tableware" and "Nordic vintage tableware" is mainly distinguished by the production period and design style.

Nordic tableware : This is a broad category and refers to all tableware from the Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, etc.). This applies to all tableware manufactured in these countries, regardless of the date of manufacture or style of design. Scandinavian tableware is characterized by its simple and functional design, incorporating elements of nature and often using light colors. Almost all modern Nordic tableware is produced under license in Southeast Asia.

Nordic vintage tableware : This category refers to Nordic tableware manufactured more than 20 years ago in general, and more specifically in the mid-20th century (1950s-1970s) . The design of this period is called Scandinavian modernism or mid-century, and is also the origin of modern Scandinavian design. Vintage tableware can increase in value over time and is often sought after as an antique or collector's item. Scandinavian vintage tableware is produced in Scandinavian countries.

Both categories reflect Nordic aesthetics and values, but are influenced by the period in which they were manufactured and the design style of that era, so there are differences in appearance and value.

A representative brand of Scandinavian vintage

Some of the leading brands of Nordic vintage tableware include:

1. ARABIA:

Finnish porcelain brand founded in 1873. Arabian products are characterized by their simple, easy-to-use and sophisticated design, and use motifs that symbolize the nature and culture of Scandinavia. In particular, vintage tableware, such as designer Kaj Franck's "Kilta" series and Birger Kaipiainen's "Paratiisi" series, have a unique appeal and are popular with collectors around the world. . Its modern yet warm design has been loved for a long time as a representative of Scandinavian design.

2. Marimekko:

Finnish textile and furniture brand founded in 1951. The brand's designs are colorful and famous for its bold flower prints. Originally, Marimekko was a brand that mainly focused on textile design in the sense of "Mari's dress". It is a brand that became famous because Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of John F. Kennedy, used Marimekko dresses habitually.

3. Iittala:

Iittala is Finland's leading manufacturer of high quality glassware. Since its founding in 1881, it has provided simple and beautiful Scandinavian design tableware and interior items to the world. One of Iittala's iconic creations, "Aalto" was designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936 and its scalloped design symbolizes Finnish nature. Iittala products are not only committed to design, but also to sustainable production processes, and are known for their eco-friendly glass products made from recycled glass. Iittala's glassware embodies the essence of Scandinavian design, combining simple and beautiful design with high-quality materials and sustainable production methods.

4. Rörstrand:

Founded in 1726 in Stockholm, Sweden, Rorstrand is the oldest ceramic maker in Northern Europe. Numerous Swedish designers such as Marianne Westmann, Gunnar Nylund and Karl-Harry Starhan have come out. We also provide tableware for the Nobel Prize dinner party, etc., and are a manufacturer that has released many artistic works, including everyday tableware. ARABIA, which is the oldest ceramic maker in Europe after Meissen and is now known as a manufacturer from Finland, originally started from the Helsinki factory in Rorstrand.

5. Gustavsberg:

Swedish porcelain brand founded in 1825. Gustavsberg initially produced household equipment such as bathtubs, but from the latter half of the 19th century he turned his attention to artistic ceramics, and his name became widely known. Known for its rustic and beautiful design with motifs of nature and folklore, it played a role in Scandinavian design.

Especially the works of Stig Lindberg and Lisa Larson from the 1940s to the 1970s are world famous. The tableware series such as Berså, which features brightly colored and unique shapes and patterns, and Lisa Larson's ceramic statues are still popular with many enthusiasts. With a modern yet warm and humorous style, he ushered in the golden age of Scandinavian design. Even now, it is highly evaluated for its high artistry and technical capabilities, as well as its unique design that makes you feel the Scandinavian climate.

Gustavsberg products are exceptionally produced locally in Sweden even today . For details, please see this article → “Why is Gustavsberg so expensive? 』

6. Jie Gantofta:

Gantofta is a pottery manufacturer founded in Sweden in 1942, and initially produced mainly fixtures. The turning point came in the latter half of the 1960s, when we invented the embossed ceramic panel, and interior ceramic panels became our main products. In Northern Europe, there is a culture of using porcelain panels as interior decoration, and there is an affinity with Japanese interiors. Even now, many ceramic plates can be seen in the antique market, and their colors and designs are still highly appreciated.

These brands had a great influence on design movements such as modernism and mid-century modern, and became an opportunity for Scandinavian design to be recognized worldwide. In addition, since vintage items reflect the cultural and artistic trends of the time, they are valued as collector's items.