1960s Kaj Franck, Square Origami Plate -KF1, Arabia Finland, Porcelain, Geo Compartment Dish, Scandinavian Design, Mid Century Modern
1960s – Kaj Franck
Glazed Ceramic
Arabia of Finland, Scandinavia
The design was in production from 1957 until the mid 1960s. Inspired by Japanese paper folding art: origami. As such it has wonderful sculptural depth which can be used as a serving dish, sorting compartments for bits & bobs, or for dips at dinner. It is a very recognizable Scandinavian design from a mid-century collective of minimal MOD designers of the era. Marked on the bottom side with Arabia, made in Finland and indication: 2-62
(made: February 1962).
Arabia was established as a subsidiary of the Swedish porcelain factory Rörstrand in 1873. By the 1940s, Arabia had developed into the largest ceramic and porcelain company in Scandinavia with as many as 1, 500 employees. Under the influence of the legendary designer Kaj Franck, Arabia started to focus on simpler forms that are now considered characteristic of Finnish design. Kaj Franck designed using pure and clean geometric shapes and lines. In addition to making series of tableware for mass production, Arabia also allowed room for individual development of the ceramists in its separate design department.
Kaj Franck (1911-1989) After studying furniture design and graduating in 1932 at the Central School of Industrial Design in Helsinki he started as illustrator for the catalogues of Taito Oy & the Riihimäki glassworks. Franck was a professor at the Helsinki School of Art and Design, where he also redesigned the course. His work earned him various international awards, inclusive of the Gold Medal (1951), the diplome d’honneur (1954), Grand Prix of the Milan Triennale in 1954, the Lunning award in 1955 & the Compasso d'Oro in 1957 in Italy. In subsequent years Kaj Franck worked as an all-round designer from anything from window decoration to illustrating children's books until he was drafted for the army.
Measurements:
Width x depth: 9. 29 x 9. 33 inches
Height: 1. 57 inches
Condition: Very Good ** see photos
This item is sold from a vintage boutique in New Haven, Connecticut.
