Arabia

Founded in Helsinki by Rörstrand and later independent; for a time Europe’s largest porcelain factory. Known for Kaj Franck’s Kilta and Teema, Ulla Procopé’s Ruska and Birger Kaipiainen’s art.

Arabia began in a Helsinki district of the same name, as a subsidiary of Rörstrand intended to make wares for the Russian market. The factory became Finnish and grew between the wars into one of the largest in Europe.

After the Second World War Kaj Franck, who led the design department, gave Arabia a new direction: simple shapes and free combinations instead of complete dinner services. The factory also had an art department where artists worked freely. Arabia is now part of the Fiskars group.

Crown marks and printed marks with Arabia, often with the year or a year code.

• Ceramics and porcelain
• Kilta
• Kaj Franck