This three-piece set includes a coffee cup, saucer, and cake plate from the "Ari" series by ARABIA, a long-established Finnish tableware brand. The coffee cup is small, about the size of an espresso cup.
The "Ant" series was produced between 1961 and 1973 by the renowned Arabia duo Kaj Franck and Raija Uosikkinen and is known as the last Arabia product of the 20th century to use copperplate transfer printing.
Copperplate transfer is a type of silkscreen technique in which a cobalt-based ink is printed onto a copper plate with a pattern cut out, then transferred to transfer paper and attached to the ceramic. The pattern is carefully fixed with a brush, and then a thin layer of transparent glaze is applied on top before re-firing, which tends to result in individual differences in color tone and unevenness. It is these slight differences that give the piece the charm of handmade work and demonstrate the high level of skill of the artisan.
Because this copperplate transfer process was extremely time-consuming, production of the "Ari" ceased with the oil crisis of 1973. This was also a period of stagnation when Arabia's main lineup, including the classic "Paratissi," was forced to cease production one after another.
Furthermore, in the 1980s, with the rise of cheap foreign pottery, ARABIA also began to move towards reducing costs by eliminating processes, such as by using pre-made transfer paper as is or decorating with very simple hand painting.
As a result, the decoration of products from the 1980s onwards became extremely simple compared to those from the golden age, and many of them hinted at the difficult times of the time. Considering this, it can be said that "Ali" is the work that marks the end of Arabia's golden age.
Raija Uosikkinen, who designed the pattern, is known for her style of actively incorporating motifs that do not exist in Scandinavia. Her representative work, "Emilia," is said to depict an idyllic American landscape that is different from Scandinavia, and this "Ali" series incorporates arabesque patterns reminiscent of the Islamic world.
Nordic tableware In contrast to the cold climate of the region, the design is characterized by its warmth and vividness, and Ali is a work that perfectly represents the non-regional design of Nordic tableware. Please take a look at this final masterpiece from the golden age.
■Detailed specifications
Manufacturer: ARABIA / Arabia Form Design: Kaj Franck / Kaj Franck Pattern Design: Raija Uosikkinen / Raija Uosikkinen Year: 1961-1973 Country of Origin: Finland Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Complete)
All three pieces - cup, plate, and saucer - are deadstock pieces in perfect condition with no cracks or chips. They are vintage pieces in top condition available on the market. "Ali" is small, but highly practical and elegant. We recommend it for anyone new to Nordic tableware, so we're offering it at a special price.
■Size
Width 8.5cm (including handle), height 6.7cm, saucer diameter 12cm, cake plate diameter 17cm
Kaj Franck
Kaj Franck ( 1911-1989 )
A famous designer from Finland, he promoted the modernization of tableware through the design of daily necessities, and had a great influence on the Nordic lifestyle.
In 1932, he studied furniture design at the Helsinki University of Arts and Crafts, and after graduating he worked in interior design, window displays, textiles, and glass design. In 1945, he became a designer for ARABIA, and achieved international success with the ``Kilta'' tableware series, which he had been developing since the 1940s.
In 1946, he won a glass design competition and became a designer for Iittala. From 1950, he was involved in glass design at Nuutajärvi, and his 1955 tumbler 2744 was selected for the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York. The design is known for its simplicity and functionality, and has become a symbol of Finnish design.
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.
