Decorate with Finnish Retro Ceramics

Finnish ceramics have a long and distinct tradition, where solid craftsmanship meets function, form, and a deep appreciation for materials. During the first decades of the 20th century, several prominent ceramic manufacturers emerged, and their pieces reflect both the stylistic ideals of the era and everyday Finnish life.

Arabia was founded in Helsinki in 1873 and became Finnish-owned in 1916. During the 1920s, the factory was modernized and developed an increasingly independent design language. The period 1917–1932 is particularly interesting for collectors, as Arabia was in a dynamic phase between traditional faience production and the modern Finnish design that would later achieve international fame.

Kupittaan Savi was founded in Turku in 1921 and became known for its hand-decorated utilitarian and decorative items. Unlike Arabia, the factory had a more popular and approachable profile, creating objects intended for a broad audience. Its often colorful decorations and personal hand-painted finish have made Kupittaan Savi a cherished part of Finnish ceramic history.

Turun Kaakelitehdas, founded in 1874, became one of the Nordic region’s leading manufacturers of tiled stoves. For several decades, the factory produced richly decorated tiled stoves and ceramic products before gradually shifting its focus toward wall and floor tiles. Rakkolanjoen kaakelitehdas was another major actor in Finnish tile and ceramic production during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Together, the items in this collection tell the story of a time when ceramics were not merely everyday household objects, but an essential element of home aesthetics. Here, Art Nouveau, Classicism, and early Modernism converge—featuring glazes, colors, and forms that feel just as decorative and relevant today.