TUMBLER (CLEAR) 5023-006

Kaj Franck started designing pressed glass immediately after moving from Iittala to Nuutajärvi in 1950.
The 5023 series was Kaj Franck's first pressed glass series, commercialized in 1953.
It was manufactured from 1953 to 1968 and was available in three size variations.
Along with KILTA, which he designed at Arabia, a group company at the time, it was used in advertisements as a product embodying "more beautiful everyday items."

This is a 60ml clear glass version of the 5023.
Initially, the precision of Nuutajärvi's pressed glass machine molds was insufficient, making manufacturing with clear glass difficult.
The 5027, also made of pressed glass and released in 1956, was designed with clear glass manufacturing in mind. It is presumed that the pressed glass machine and molds were renewed at this time, enabling the production of clear glass 5023 as well.
However, due to the rarity of individual pieces, it is thought that production was for a short period.
It is a rare item.
*It has minor scratches, but is in good condition with no noticeable damage.

KAJ FRANCK｜Kaj Franck｜1911–1989｜FINLAND

Kaj Franck is one of the leading designers of 20th-century Finnish modern design. He studied under Arttu Brummer at the Central School of Arts and Crafts (now Aalto University) in Helsinki. After graduation, he worked in a wide range of fields, including furniture, interiors, and textiles.

In 1945, he was appointed chief designer at Arabia at the request of Kurt Ekholm, and was responsible for revitalizing tableware essential for post-war daily life. In 1946, he became a glass designer at Iittala after winning an award in a Karhula-Iittala competition, but in 1950, he transferred to Nuutajärvi, a group company under Wärtsilä (the same as Arabia), and as director, began designing glassware with shared principles with Arabia.

Kaj Franck's design philosophy, also known as "the conscience of Finland," is based on the ideas of "design for the masses" and "the social responsibility of designers." He designed many universal products that could be used for a long time, using simple geometric forms and colors without ornamentation.

Arabia's KILTA (now TEEMA) series and Nuutajärvi's tumbler 5027 (now KARTIO) series are long-selling products that continue to be manufactured by Iittala today. Meanwhile, Franck also created many highly artistic unique glass pieces with an artisanal approach at Nuutajärvi, where his artistic side can be seen.

From 1960, he also taught at the School of Art and Design in Helsinki (now Aalto University), having a significant influence on Finnish design education. He received numerous awards, including the Lunning Prize (1955), the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale (1957), and the Compasso d'Oro (1957).