This trio includes a Paratiisi teacup and saucer and a 21cm oval plate, both of which were produced by Arabia between 1971 and 1974. Paratiisi means "paradise" in Finnish. Designed by Birger Kaipiainen, one of the company's leading designers, the Paratiisi was released in 1969. Due to the time-consuming process of producing Paratiisi, production was temporarily discontinued in 1974.
This is a trio of Paratiisi instruments produced between 1971 and 1974, during Arabia's heyday. The backstamp features Finnish writing, and a wing-like leaf protruding from the left side of the logo, a distinctive feature of these instruments. Due to their rarity, Paratiisis are the most expensive and rare of the Viola logo instruments, but this 1971 Paratiisi has superior color expression and a glossy surface.
Many years have passed since its production, and this piece dates back to a period when ARABIA's technical capabilities were at an all-time high.The finished product is one of the most colorful and beautiful of the old Paratiisi pieces, which are collector's items.
Due to the impact of the 1974 oil crisis and the economic downturn in Finland, ARABIA discontinued production of its main products one after another from 1974 onwards, and was forced to sell tableware with simple decorations on a white background.
The last piece to be decorated with such care and attention was the Paratiisi, made in 1971. A mid-century masterpiece, it stands as one of the most important pieces from Arabia's glory days.
For more information about the logo, please see this article (History of the ARABIA Paratiisi logo) .
■Details Manufacturer: ARABIA Designer: Birger Kaipiainen Series: Paratiisi Year: 1971-1974 Country of origin: Finland Condition: ★★★☆☆ (3.5: Good condition)
Although there are some scratches on the surface of the saucer when held up to the light, it is in good condition with no cracks or chips. Overall, it is in good condition, retaining its original luster.
■Size: Cup width 11.7cm (including handle), Cup height 6.7cm, Saucer diameter 17cm
Plate diameter 21cm
Paratiisi ~ Finland's paradise ~
"Paratiisi" is a masterpiece created by Birger Kaipiainen, a famous designer of ARABIA. The series name means "paradise" in Finnish. After some trial and error by Kaipiainen, Paratissi was launched in 1969. Each piece of Paratissi was decorated with a richly colored print, making it one of the most elaborate and luxurious series of Arabic tableware of the time. Production ceased in 1974 due to the severe economic recession and fuel shortage caused by the oil crisis.
Paratissi is also known for its frequently changing logo, called a backstamp. 1) A logo that started with the viola (pansy) logo in 1969, 2) A logo that abolished the year stamp in the first half of 1971, and 3) A leaf that replaced the viola part produced around the second half of 1971 with the ARABIA mark. logo, 4) Crown logo, which was replaced with a circular English logo in the 1988 reprint, 5) Black and white logo from mid-2000, with the color of the 1988 logo removed, and 6) Made in Thailand, with the circle mark further removed. There are 6 types of logos. Until the mid-2000 logo, it will be made in Finland. The important thing to know is that the Thai made logo does not have "FINLAND" stamped on it.
In particular, the reprint editions of Paratissi from the mid-2000s onward are characterized by their darker decorations and thick design lines that make them easy to understand. Vintage items up to 1988 have pale colors and thin lines, giving a sense of depth throughout. Vintage tableware is more beautiful as tableware.
Birger Kaipiainen
Birger Kaipiainen (1915-1988)
Born in Pori, southwestern Finland, on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. Finland's leading designer, known as the "King of Decorators". Although he moved to the capital, Helsinki, when he was a child, Kaipiainen spends every summer with a homestay in the Russian town of Sortavala. The sense of nature and artistry cultivated there would influence him throughout his life. In his prime, Kaipiainen suffered from polio, which forced him to walk with a cane for the rest of his life. Due to a disability in one hand, he was unable to turn the potter's wheel and make pottery by himself, but this experience is said to have inspired him to hone his unique artistic sense.
Kaipiainen graduated from Aalto University's Faculty of Art, Finland's top art university, and began working at ARABIA in 1937 , before also transferring to Sweden's Rorstrand for four years from 1954 . During the heyday of simple and unadorned modern Scandinavian art, Kaipiainen's designs were rich in ornamentation and characterized by detailed depictions drawn in every corner. He has created a unique worldview that stands out from the mainstream of the time, designing Paratisch in 1969 , Apia in 1970 , and Sunnuntai in 1971 . These are still Arabia's reprints and are their signature products.
