In the spotlight: Arabia's Paratiisi and Sunnuntai tableware campaign

Arabia's bold and beloved classics, Paratiisi and Sunnuntai tableware, embody Finnish ceramic artist Birger Kaipiainen's decorative ingenuity. Now is your chance to take 25% off the jolly tableware for a limited time only. Join us in discovering Finnish Design Shop’s frequently updated product campaigns, allowing you to save on long-term interior investments.

Arabia Paratiisi cup 0,28 L
Arabia's Paratiisi tableware range delights both in the home and summer cottage – why not even on a picnic amongst greenery.

TITLED PRINCE OF CERAMICS, Birger Kaipiainen has contributed to cosy homes in Finland and beyond with a wealth of beauty and creativity. Designed half a century ago, Paratiisi and Sunnuntai tableware express the award-winning ceramic artist's essence, complete with rich visual mastery and an affinity for all things nature.

Arabia Paratiisi pitcher 1,0 L
Adorned with a rich design of fruit, violets and blackcurrants, the Paratiisi series also includes a tureen, complete with a lid, and a handsome pitcher.
Arabia Paratiisi tureen with lid
Like a blooming vision from paradise, Birger Kaipiainen's beloved classics are just the ticket for not only everyday meals but also festive occasions.

Adorned with fruit, violets and blackcurrants, Paratiisi (Paradise) is an experience for several senses, as the abundant set of flora entices one to touch, smell and taste its sumptuous pattern. Designed in 1969, the nature-inspired theme drew inspiration from the earlier relief Orvokkimeri (Sea of Violets), created for Expo 67 held in Montreal. While the series originally included oval-shaped plates, it reached its current form following a pause in production during 1974–1988.

Arabia Sunnuntai bowl 17 cm
Originating in 1971, the delightful flower motif of the Sunnuntai series is a real treat when combined with other tableware collections.
Arabia Sunnuntai plate 26 cm
Shimmering in a jolly yellow tone that brings up childhood memories for many Finns, the Sunnuntai tableware ensures smiles, especially in combination with seasonal delicacies.

The Sunnuntai series, Finnish for Sunday, is another iconic creation by Kaipiainen, who worked at the Arabia art department for over 50 years. The joyful floral pattern, launched in 1971, brings a welcome dose of positivity to special occasions and everyday meals alike. Pieces from the Sunnuntai and Paratiisi tableware series are also easy to combine for a cheerful table setting.

Arabia Paratiisi cup 0,18 L, black
Bring the Nordic seasons to your table setting – the black-and-white Paratiisi range is reminiscent of wintery Finnish landscapes.

Whereas Sunnuntai tableware glows in a summery yellow hue, the Paratiisi series delights in three colour variations – fans of Birger Kaipiainen's creative genius can opt for a yellow-blue, black-and-white, or purple edition. The black-and-white version is said to represent Finnish nature in wintertime, and the blue-white variant exudes the feel of Nordic summer. The most recent addition, purple, was introduced to the Paratiisi tableware collection in 2012.

Campaign:

For a limited time, Finnish Design Shop is offering Arabia's Paratiisi and Sunnuntai tableware at a 25% discount. The campaign is valid until 31 August 2021.

Birger Kaipiainen

Who: Birger Kaipiainen (1915–1988)

  • Enrolled to study scenography at the Ateneum's Central School for Applied Arts, but graduated as a ceramicist and decorative artist in 1937.
  • Mostly built his career at the Arabia art department in Finland, in addition to years spent working in Italy for Richard Ginori and in Sweden for Rörstrand.
  • In addition to utility articles, Kaipiainen's oeuvre includes several unique pieces, including reliefs, sculptures as well as decorative wall plates and bowls.
  • Known for the wallpaper collection designed for Pihlgren & Ritola, among other things.
  • Received the Grand Prix at the Milano triennial in 1960 and the Montreal Expo 67.

See also:

All designs by Birger Kaipiainen >
All products by Arabia >

Text: Eero Nurmi Images: Arabia

Previous story
Next story




For the love of design

Design Stories is Finnish Design Shop's own online magazine, that takes you to beautiful Nordic homes, introduces new products and beloved icons – and much more!

Go to the Design Stories front page

Shop Nordic design

Design Stories is provided by Finnish Design Shop, the world’s largest online store specialized in Nordic design.

Discover our selection

Buy & sell authentic vintage

Franckly.com is a curated online marketplace for pre-owned design maintained by Finnish Design Shop.

Find treasures at Franckly