"ARA" JUG KF2

The ARA series, launched in 1938 by Kurt Ekholm, was inspired by Italian majolica pottery. The models for this series were Ekholm's own stoneware art objects, which he designed in 1936. As these were relatively expensive, the material was reconsidered, and the ARA series was launched using the same models, but primarily as faience pottery with tin glaze applied to red-dyed clay.

Since the red clay used for this series could cause impurities if mixed into the base material of other various products, a new ARA department was established. Initially, the ARA series featured Ekholm's works, mainly decorated with hand-painted floral motifs or plain designs. Due to its popularity, works such as Michael Schilkin's MS models, an artist belonging to the art department, and Kaj Franck's KF models, who was then the chief designer of the product design department, were added to the series in the 1940s. Although the ARA department closed in 1950, some of the ARA series production reportedly continued until the mid-1950s.

This is a KF2 model pitcher designed by Kaj Franck. While regular KF models use white clay with dark brown, brown, or green glazes and decorations, this one is quite rare, featuring an undecorated green glaze on red clay. KF models were manufactured from 1947 to 1953, but this particular piece is presumed to have been produced for a short period. *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 in Helsinki (now Aalto University). After graduating, 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 revitalizing tableware essential for post-war daily life. In 1946, after winning an award in a competition at Karhula-Iittala, he became a glass designer at Iittala. However, in 1950, he moved to Nuutajärvi, a group company under Wärtsilä (the same parent company as Arabia), and as a director, he began designing glassware with a shared philosophy with Arabia.

Kaj Franck's design philosophy, often referred to as "the conscience of Finland," is based on the ideas of "design for the masses" and "the social responsibility of designers." He designed many timeless products that could be used for a long time, characterized by simple geometric forms and colors devoid of excessive decoration.

Arabia's KILTA (now TEEMA) series and Nuutajärvi's tumbler 5027 (now KARTIO) series remain bestsellers, still manufactured by Iittala today. At Nuutajärvi, he also created numerous unique and artistic glass pieces with an artisanal approach, showcasing Franck's artistic side.

From 1960, he also engaged in education at the School of Arts 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 (1957).

ARABIA｜Arabia｜1873 –｜FINLAND

Arabia was established in 1873 as a subsidiary of the Swedish ceramics manufacturer Rörstrand in the Arabia district on the outskirts of Helsinki, and began operations the following year in 1874. In 1916, it separated from Rörstrand's capital and became an independent Finnish company.

In 1929, the introduction of a 112-meter-long tunnel kiln, one of the largest in the world at the time, led to increased production efficiency and the establishment of a mass production system. This allowed Arabia to develop into one of Europe's leading ceramics factories.

In 1932, Kurt Ekholm was appointed art director, organizing artistic activities at Arabia into an art department. He created an environment conducive to artists' work, establishing a system that allowed for the parallel development of products and art pieces.

A major characteristic of Arabia is that its product development has involved the interrelationship of three departments: the art department, the applied art department, and the product design department.

Artists in the art department included Toini Muona, Friedl Kjellberg, Michael Schilkin, Birger Kaipiainen, Rut Bryk, and Kyllikki Salmenhaara. Their works gained international recognition from the 1930s, playing a crucial role in Arabia's cultural aspect and the development of Finnish ceramics.

In the 1940s, Friedl Kjellberg developed Rice Porcelain using the firefly technique. Mass production began in 1950 and continued as a long-selling product until 1974, receiving high international acclaim as Arabia's representative artistic porcelain.

Against the backdrop of the functionalism movement that spread across Scandinavia in the 1930s, Ekholm launched the AR series (SINIVALKO) tableware in 1935, pointing the way for future Nordic modern design.

In 1945, Kaj Franck joined as a designer, and along with Kaarina Aho and Ulla Procopé, he pushed for the modernization of product design. The Kilta series, launched in 1953, achieved great success as innovative modern design tableware characterized by simple geometric forms and versatility.

Arabia boasts numerous awards since the 1930s, but particularly in the 1950s at the Milan Triennale (1951, 1954, 1957), many products by designers, in addition to works by artists from the art department, also received awards, establishing its global reputation.