Arabia Finland Malva

This charming pattern from Arabia Finland, designed by Esteri Tomula is called “Malva”. The dinnerware series was in production 1964 to 1979 and features a stylised floral pattern, which was one Esteri’s favourite subjects – which I have written about in a previous post .

The design features central floral elements surrounded by leaves in typical Arabia Finland blue, rendered with a beautiful line drawing style typical of many of Esteri’s designs.

Esteri’s output was prolific after moving to the Arabia product development department in the 1960s where she created over 150 patterns, some of which were were:

The Botanica-series (1978-89), Primavera (1970-74), Sinilehti (1970-74), Elsa (1971-72), Irina (1971-72), Mira (1971-72), Ansa (1971-72), Vanamo (1973-74), Aurinko (1973-74), Gardenia (1973-74), Varpu (1971-73), Helluntai (1971-73), Aprilli (1971-73), Marja (1973), Vegeta (1966-early 70’s), Rosette (1983), Sinikello (1984-87), Raita (1971-73), Katrilli (1975-77), Kartano (1973-76), Krokus (1978-79), Flora (1979-81), Polar (1978-85).

Here in Australia the designs we tend to see most often by Esteri are the Botanica series, Krokus, and Flora…so it is always a delight when one of the less well known designs like this one pop up.