Arabia Finland | C20Ceramics

Apr 23

Arabia Finland Krokus – Esteri Tomula

Recently I came across some of this lovely design by Esteri Tomula for Arabia Finland. The design is Krokus, and it was in production for quite a short period between 1978-1979. Im always drawn to the work of Esteri Tomula, often before I know that it is a design from her.

You can see my previous posts on the work of Esteri Tomula by navigating the “categories” on the menu bar to the right of this page.

The Krokus series came a few different colourways: A green,blue and white version, a black and white version, and a black and white version with a grey/sepia coloured banding. It is at the same time a delicate, but striking and bold design.

Much of Esteri’s work was inspired by the flora of Finland, which becomes obvious when you see her designs – but especially obvious in this design.

The forms the design is placed on are from the EH series, designed by Peter Winquist in 1970, and used on many of the designs for years to follow.

Arabia Finland – Esteri Tomula Mystery Design

This design has eluded me for some time. I have looked through hundred of designs by Esteri Tomula, and haven’t seen this particular one anywhere.

It is on a very large form you don’t see often, used around 1971-1973 and I believe it is the “TH/5” shape, and it is huge, at about 600ml.

It would have originally had a saucer to go with it. It is hand painted in deep cobalt blue on a white ground, and appears to be a flower of some description. Any readers who have any of this design, or happen to know its name I would love to know.! It may have been just a design for a cup, or on other dinnerware items.

Mar 15

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.