TUMBLER (GRAY) 2744-020

Kaj Franck started designing ceramics at Arabia in 1946 and glass at Nuutajärvi in 1950, with the philosophy of designing essentials for post-war life.

This is Tumbler 2744, designed in 1953, made by mold-blown (rotation-blown) technique.
Together with the KILTA series by Arabia and the press-glass 5023 series by Nuutajärvi, both introduced in the same year, this product represents the starting point for Kaj Franck's geometric forms and functionalist design.

Manufactured from 1953 to 1967.
There are individual differences in size and glass thickness.
This is a rare color for Tumbler 2744.
*In good condition with no noticeable damage.

KAJ FRANCK｜Kaj Franck｜1911–1989｜FINLAND

Kaj Franck is one of the leading designers representing 20th-century Finnish modern design. He studied under Arttu Brummer at the Central School of Arts and Crafts (now Aalto University) in Helsinki. After graduating, he worked in a wide range of fields including furniture, interior design, 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, he became a glass designer at Iittala after winning an award in a competition held by Karhula-Iittala. However, in 1950, he moved to Nuutajärvi, which became a group company under Wärtsilä, the same parent company 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." He designed many universal products that can be used for a long time, using simple geometric forms and expression through color, devoid of excessive decoration.

The KILTA series (now TEEMA) from Arabia and the Tumbler 5027 series (now KARTIO) from Nuutajärvi are long-selling products that continue to be manufactured by Iittala today. On the other hand, Franck also created many highly artistic unique glass pieces with a craft-based approach at Nuutajärvi, which reveals his artistic side.

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