Posts tagged ‘Esteri Tomula’

Jun 19

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.

May 3

Arabia Finland Katrilli

This very smart, typically 1970s looking design is Arabia Finland Katrilli.

“Katrilli” was a dinnerware pattern designed by Esteri Tomula at Arabia Finland, and was in production for a very short period of only 2 years – from 1975 – 1977.

I love the repeat pattern of the flower buds around the outside of the pieces, and that wonderfully textured centre of each flower. The warm brown pattern contrasts beautifully with the white glaze which seems to have the slightest touch of creaminess about it – although that could be the eye playing tricks with it partnered against such a warm brown hue.

See other the posts about I have documented on Esteri Tomula Here