This 24cm dinner plate is from Arabia's Kolari collection, a Finnish icon. Kolari means "coral reef," and the pink coral design, reminiscent of cherry blossom petals, dances lightly against a white background. The contrast between soft pink and muted brown blends seamlessly with the dining table, and the subtle changes in color depth with the light add to its charm. The hand-painted decorations vary in brushstrokes and shading, giving each plate a unique look. It pairs well with both Japanese and Western cuisine, making it versatile for everyday use and entertaining.
The decoration was by Raija Uosikkinen, known for his works Emilia and Kalevala. Uosikkinen retired from Arabia in 1986, and the Coralli, released in 1983, is one of the works that graced his final years. The form inherits the "S model" by Ulla Prokoppe, renowned for his Ruska and Valencia. This standard form, established in the 1960s, has been passed down to many masterpieces since then, with modifications to the decoration. It is said that the "S model" was named after the Finnish word "sama," meaning "same," and as such, it is a highly universal form that has continued to be valued nearly 20 years after his death.
Pink coral is originally a motif of the southern seas not found in Scandinavia. Uosikkinen often effortlessly incorporates elements from outside Scandinavia, such as depicting an American cityscape in Emilia. The Coralli series truly embodies this approach, allowing a free imagination unfettered by regionality to flourish amid Scandinavian restraint and practicality.
■Details Manufacturer: ARABIA / Arabia Form Designer: Ulla Procope / Ulla Procope Pattern Design: Raija Uosikkinen / Raija Uosikkinen Series: Koralli / Koralli Year: 1983-1987 Country of Origin: Finland Condition: ★★★★☆ (4.5: Excellent Condition)
There is a very slight scuff near the center when held up to the light, but there are no cracks or chips, and it is a beautiful vintage piece that retains its original luster.
■Size
Diameter 24cm Height 2cm
ARABIA - Arabia
ARABIA is a ceramic manufacturer representing Finland in the 20th century. Originally, ARABIA was a factory established in Finland by Sweden's Rörstrand as a base for producing pottery for Russia. The company's name comes from the fact that it was established in the Arabian district of Helsinki, the capital.
From the 1950s to the 1980s, many world-famous designers such as Ulla Procoppe, Birger Kaipiainen, Laiya Uosikkinen, and Esteri Tomura created many works, known as the Golden Age of ARABIA. Works that had a great influence on modern modern design were created at the time, from simple Scandinavian modern designs to highly decorative and well-crafted pieces. ARABIA is known for its masterpieces such as paratissi, crocus, flora, and corari, which are both practical and decorative items unique to Scandinavian tableware that are useful for both interior and everyday use.
Ulla Procope
Ulla Procope (1921-1968)
Born in Helsinki. In 1948 , he graduated from the Faculty of Art and Design at Aalto University in Helsinki and joined Arabia Company. After that, he was in charge of design in the production department for 20 years, creating the Ruska series in 1960 and the Valencia series in 1961 . Ruska became the longest-running and most sold flagship product of Arabia's products, and the form of Ruska was called the S model , which became the prototype model for subsequent ARABIA tableware. Valencia is the last hand-painted ARABIA product. After suffering from cancer and retiring from active duty, Procope moved to Spain's Canary Islands, where he died at the age of 47 .
Raija Uosikkinen
Raija Uosikkinen (1923-2004)
Originally from Holoran, a town in southern Finland. Graduated from Aalto University's Faculty of Fine Arts in 1947 and joined Arabia. He worked as an exclusive designer for Arabia for 40 years until 1986, and was responsible for the designs of the Emilia series and Kalevala ear plates. He often collaborated with Kai Franck, with Kai Franck generally providing the form of the product and Uosikkinen providing the decorative design.
Even after Laija Uosikkinen retired from ARABIA in 1986 , he continued to live in a house right next to his company and happily invited the company's current designers and students from Aalto University to his home, providing friendly hospitality while also serving as a mentor to future generations. He is said to have provided guidance. His most famous work, the Emilia series, is said to express his longing for life in the distant United States. After World War II, Finland was never a rich country due to a series of periods of poverty, and the longing for richness during these poor and difficult times is the background behind the creation of this masterpiece.
