The Russian Charm of Iittala's Tsaikka Tea Glass

Tsaikka, maybe Iittala's most Russian style glass design

The Russian Charm Behind Iittala's Tsaikkas

The habit of drinking tea in decorated fine glasses is the traditional way in many countries of Asia and the Middle East. However, no other tea glass is as adored and appreciated as Iittala's Tsaikkas. The metallic base, to hold the hot glass, is very Russian and I bet they were introduced to Europe through Russia a country which also pioneered the design of porcelain cups. Tsaikka, Iittala's iconic hot tea glasses, designed by Timo Sarpaneva, is super-duper Russian- Slavic, including the name. The line, designed by Sarpaneva in 1957 and still in production, is very different from the modern art glass pieces Sarpaneva would be famous for during the 1960's and 1970's. There is a certain ethnical touch to the design of the entire series, which emanates from the bold base with the handle in form of an "eight" giving also a mystical touch to the design. After 60 years, Iittala's Tsaikka remains a must. They come and go in our store. We have had many of them and currently  have some in stock. Never for very long...

Pieces of Natural Beauty: Arabia Botanica Series

Esteri Tomula Plate "Geranium Silvaticum"

Esteri Tomula Plate "Viola Riviniana"

Esteri Tomula Botanica Series Plates

Esteri Tomula's "Botanica" Series is one of my favorite among Arabia's many series of plates. The series is quite large with detailed designs of the most lovely flowers available around Finland. And yes, I am one of those people who adore a wall filled with plates, but I can be very particular about the plates I hang on my own walls. We had these two plates in the store, but they are flew out of the shelves very fast. I miss them and that's a good reason for a post. As it happens, I am constantly hunting after these beauties, wherever I go...  They are small, only 12cmX12cm but they are immensely gorgeous.

Metsä Serving Bowls

Large Mäntsälän Lasisepät Metsä Bowl, known as "Forest" Bowl
Designed by Pertti Kallioinen

The small version of the Metsä Bowl
Designed by Pertti Kallioinen

Metsä Bowls,  Forest Bowls

I am one fan of the famous Forest bowls that, in Finnish means, "Metsä". They were designed by Pertti Kallioinen for Finnish glass company Mäntsälän Lasisepät in the 1980's. The design simulate the movement of leafless trees and it is simple and beautiful. We have some of them in the store right now, a very large one which can be used for salads of as fruit bowl and two small ones which can be used to serve snacks or as candle holder.

You can find the Metsä bowls here