"TUPA" JUG 5201/2386

The TUPA series is the only product designed by Kaj Franck during his four-year tenure at IITTALA (from 1946), following his winning of second and third prizes in the KARHULA-IITTALA design competition held in 1946. It was also the first glass product he designed in his career. It was unveiled at the Stockmann department store in 1948 and subsequently manufactured until 1954.

The TUPA series is a reproduction of "WALDGLAS (forest glass)," which was produced in Finland until the mid-19th century. The glass, referred to as "antique green," was specially developed for this series.

This is a TUPA series pitcher, manufactured from 1948 to 1954.

"WALDGLAS (forest glass)" is a green glass primarily made from forest ash and sand. It is not a uniform, high-quality glass, often containing air bubbles, wrinkles, and impurities.

Furthermore, while we have handled many TUPA series items, most of them have shown signs of scuffs, scratches, and stains. This is a phenomenon not seen in other IITTALA products of the same era and is likely a characteristic of this type of glass. Even with the same product number, there are individual differences in glass thickness and form. Please be aware of this.

*There are signs of use such as scuffs and scratches.

KAJ FRANCK｜Kaj Franck｜1911–1989｜FINLAND

Kaj Franck is one of the most prominent 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, at the request of Kurt Ekholm, he was appointed chief designer at Arabia and was responsible for revamping tableware essential for post-war daily life. In 1946, he became a glass designer at Iittala after winning an award in the Karhula-Iittala competition. However, in 1950, he moved to Nuutajärvi, which became a group company under Wärtsilä, the same umbrella as Arabia, and as director, he began designing glassware with a shared philosophy 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 the designer." Through simple geometric forms and expressive colors without excessive decoration, he designed numerous universal products that could be used for a long time.

Arabia's KILTA (now TEEMA) series and Nuutajärvi's Tumbler 5027 (now KARTIO) series continue to be bestsellers manufactured by Iittala today. At the same time, Franck also created many highly artistic unique glass pieces at Nuutajärvi using an artisanal approach, showcasing his artistic side.

From 1960, he also engaged in education at the School of Art and Design in Helsinki (now Aalto University), significantly influencing 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 Award (1957).