This is a set of five Arabia "Kesty" beer mugs (plus one identical cup). This unique series, while mass-produced, evokes a scene through its illustrations and words. Each mug features a soft apricot-colored body and a unique, Nordic-inspired, humorous portrait, each with a unique expression.
There is a short message on the back, so not only is it practical as a piece of tableware, but it also has the fun of creating a story the moment you place it on the table. When you line up several pieces, they create a consistent worldview, which is unique to Kestie.
Each figure stands just 10cm tall, giving it a striking presence. It's rare to find a complete set of all the variations of Kesty, and the different designs create a sense of unity, making this a highly valuable combination for any collection.
Each cup has a line written on it that matches the picture on the surface. Interestingly, even though it is Arabian tableware, the writing is in Swedish, not Finnish. The meaning of each line is as follows:
① Hej dundergubbar slå i glasen och låt oss lustiga vara
Translation: "Come on, brave souls, clink your glasses (toast) and let's be merry!"
Nuance: A call to toast or a shout to start a drinking party.
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② Hej gamle Friskus vad vore livet om man ej hade ett gott humör
Translation: "Hey, cheerful Frisks. What would life be without humor?"
Nuance: A life lesson that says, "Live in a good mood."
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③ En blomma är glädjen i dag slår hon ut i morgon så vissnar hon redan
Translation: "Joy is a flower. Today it blooms, tomorrow it wilts."
Nuance: A metaphor for transience.
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④ Vila vid denna källa vår lilla frukost vi framställa
"Take a break at this spring. I'll prepare a simple breakfast."
Nuance: Scene of a journey/picnic.
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⑤ Och dansen går på alla bryggorna och alla myggorna är med
Translation: "The dance continues on every pier, and even the mosquitoes join in."
Nuance: A humorous scene typical of summer in Northern Europe.
■Detailed specifications
Manufacturer: ARABIA Designer: Svea Granlund Series: Kesti
Era: 1960s Country of Origin: Finland Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Complete)
All six items are unused, deadstock items in excellent condition. The bonus mug with the same design has some crazing on the side. Please see the product photos for the condition of each item.
■Size Cup height 10cm
Cup capacity: 350ml (full capacity 450ml)
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.
