This is a D-handle mug from the "Ruska" series, a masterpiece from Finland's leading pottery manufacturer ARABIA. Ruska mugs come in small coffee cups and medium-sized morning cups, but this one is the largest and is a rare size mug called a D handle, with the handle designed in the shape of the letter D. It is a very impressive cup with a capacity of about 400ml.
The series name "Ruska" means "autumn" in Finnish. This work is inspired by the brown color of the autumn season, which is seen during the autumn leaves season, and the glaze is coated with black iron powder to create a matte texture. It has a soft texture similar to Japanese tableware.
The designer is Ulla Procope, one of the leading designers of the 20th century in ARABIA. Rusca was born in 1960 as a new household appliance that was both practical and stylish, as a heat-resistant tableware that could be used in the oven. Procoppe died young in 1968, but the Rusca she designed later became the basis for timeless masterpieces such as Flora, Corari, and Fructus, by changing the exterior decoration in various ways while maintaining the same form. Ruska's design was called the "S Model" and became the archetype of subsequent Arabic tableware hits.
Luska is one of the longest-selling Arabic tableware products. After being manufactured for nearly 40 years, production ended when the manufacturing base in Arabia was relocated to Southeast Asia. The Ruska series is still one of the most commonly seen Arabic tableware items on the vintage market.
However, for some reason I don't know, this D-handle mug was not mass-produced. Most of them do not have a back stamp, and although saucers are included, in the vintage market they are often sold as cups only.
■Detailed specifications
Manufacturer: ARABIA / Arabia Designer: Ulla Procope / Ulla Procope Series Name: Ruska / Ruska Year: 1960-1999 Country of Manufacture: Finland Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Complete)
This is a complete dead stock item with no history of use and no cracks or chips. This product is available in multiple quantities. All items in stock are in the same condition as the photos.
■Size
Cup width 13cm height 8.5cm saucer diameter 16cm
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 .