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Arabia Finland
Aurora Borealis Espresso Set Markku Metsämäki Arabia Finland
Aurora Borealis Espresso Set Markku Metsämäki Arabia Finland
Regular price
€120,00 EUR
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Sale price
€120,00 EUR
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A Nordic design treasure: this vintage set of 4 espresso cups, each accompanied by its saucer and dessert/breakfast plate, belongs to the exclusive Aurora Borealis series by Arabia Finland. Inspired by the magic of the Northern Lights, this series captures the dancing light of the Arctic sky in delicate brushstrokes on high-quality porcelain.
This espresso model is particularly rare, as Arabia produced only a limited number of espresso cups in this series. The set includes its original box and has never been used, preserving all the authenticity and collectible value. Ideal for both collectors and those seeking an elegant touch in their coffee service.
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About the Designers
Inkeri Leivo (1944–2010) – designer of the Arctica form. With over 40 years at Arabia Finland, Leivo was a pioneer in clean, ergonomic, and functional forms. The Arctica series (1979) became a classic, serving as the basis for later decorations, including Aurora Borealis. Her work is present in design museums such as the Design Museum (Helsinki) and the Victoria & Albert Museum (London).
Markku Metsämäki – designer of the Aurora Borealis decoration. Responsible for the graphic motifs inspired by the aurora borealis, bringing a poetic and natural touch to Leivo's functional design. The combination of form and decoration makes this espresso set an emblematic piece of Finnish design from the 1980s.
About Arabia Finland
Founded in 1873 in Helsinki, Arabia Finland is a benchmark of Nordic ceramic design, combining functionality, durability, and aesthetics. The Aurora Borealis series, derived from the classic Arctica, is an example of their excellence in fine porcelain, produced in limited edition and highly valued by collectors worldwide.
This Aurora Borealis espresso set represents a rare convergence of artistic vision and functional mastery. The interplay between Leivo's sculptural forms and Metsämäki's ethereal decoration creates pieces that transcend their utilitarian purpose, becoming vessels of Nordic poetry. Each cup holds not just espresso, but a fragment of Arctic light frozen in porcelain—a daily ritual elevated to contemplative art. For the discerning collector or design enthusiast, this set offers an intimate connection to a brief, luminous moment in Finnish design history.
Inkeri Leivo (1944–2010) – designer of the Arctica form. With over 40 years at Arabia Finland, Leivo was a pioneer in clean, ergonomic, and functional forms. The Arctica series (1979) became a classic, serving as the basis for later decorations, including Aurora Borealis. Her work is present in design museums such as the Design Museum (Helsinki) and the Victoria & Albert Museum (London).
Markku Metsämäki – designer of the Aurora Borealis decoration. Responsible for the graphic motifs inspired by the aurora borealis, bringing a poetic and natural touch to Leivo's functional design. The combination of form and decoration makes this espresso set an emblematic piece of Finnish design from the 1980s.
About Arabia Finland
Founded in 1873 in Helsinki, Arabia Finland is a benchmark of Nordic ceramic design, combining functionality, durability, and aesthetics. The Aurora Borealis series, derived from the classic Arctica, is an example of their excellence in fine porcelain, produced in limited edition and highly valued by collectors worldwide.
This Aurora Borealis espresso set represents a rare convergence of artistic vision and functional mastery. The interplay between Leivo's sculptural forms and Metsämäki's ethereal decoration creates pieces that transcend their utilitarian purpose, becoming vessels of Nordic poetry. Each cup holds not just espresso, but a fragment of Arctic light frozen in porcelain—a daily ritual elevated to contemplative art. For the discerning collector or design enthusiast, this set offers an intimate connection to a brief, luminous moment in Finnish design history.
Details
What's Included
4 espresso cups with Aurora Borealis decoration
4 matching espresso saucers
4 dessert/breakfast plates
Original Arabia Finland boxes
Measurements
Espresso cups: Ø ~6.5 cm × H ~6.5 cm – capacity ~80–100 ml
Espresso saucers: Ø ~13.5 cm
Dessert/breakfast plates: Ø ~17 cm
Material: High-quality vitrified porcelain, glazed and resistant
Production year: 1987–1988 (limited series, short production run)
Complete set: 4 cups, 4 saucers, 4 dessert/breakfast plates
Condition: New, never used, with original box
4 espresso cups with Aurora Borealis decoration
4 matching espresso saucers
4 dessert/breakfast plates
Original Arabia Finland boxes
Measurements
Espresso cups: Ø ~6.5 cm × H ~6.5 cm – capacity ~80–100 ml
Espresso saucers: Ø ~13.5 cm
Dessert/breakfast plates: Ø ~17 cm
Material: High-quality vitrified porcelain, glazed and resistant
Production year: 1987–1988 (limited series, short production run)
Complete set: 4 cups, 4 saucers, 4 dessert/breakfast plates
Condition: New, never used, with original box
Condition
Vintage Condition
This set is in pristine, never-used condition. Each piece bears the authentic Arabia Finland stamp on the base, confirming its provenance and period. The original boxes show minimal shelf wear consistent with age but remain in very good condition. The porcelain displays the characteristic deep black glaze with the distinctive Aurora Borealis decoration featuring silvery-grey brushstrokes that evoke the Northern Lights. The glaze is clear and intact across all pieces. Minor wear may be present on the boxes. No cracks or chips on any ceramic pieces.
As with all vintage pieces, this item may show signs of previous use and age. Any such marks are signs of authenticity, not flaws, and add to its unique character.
This set is in pristine, never-used condition. Each piece bears the authentic Arabia Finland stamp on the base, confirming its provenance and period. The original boxes show minimal shelf wear consistent with age but remain in very good condition. The porcelain displays the characteristic deep black glaze with the distinctive Aurora Borealis decoration featuring silvery-grey brushstrokes that evoke the Northern Lights. The glaze is clear and intact across all pieces. Minor wear may be present on the boxes. No cracks or chips on any ceramic pieces.
As with all vintage pieces, this item may show signs of previous use and age. Any such marks are signs of authenticity, not flaws, and add to its unique character.
Care
Care Instructions
While these pieces are crafted from durable vitrified porcelain, we recommend gentle hand washing with mild soap and warm water to preserve the delicate Aurora Borealis decoration and maintain the deep luster of the glaze. If using a dishwasher, select a gentle cycle with low temperature and avoid harsh detergents. Allow pieces to cool gradually after use and store with soft padding between stacked items to prevent surface contact. The porcelain is microwave-safe, though we suggest warming beverages gently to honor the vintage nature of these collectible pieces.
While these pieces are crafted from durable vitrified porcelain, we recommend gentle hand washing with mild soap and warm water to preserve the delicate Aurora Borealis decoration and maintain the deep luster of the glaze. If using a dishwasher, select a gentle cycle with low temperature and avoid harsh detergents. Allow pieces to cool gradually after use and store with soft padding between stacked items to prevent surface contact. The porcelain is microwave-safe, though we suggest warming beverages gently to honor the vintage nature of these collectible pieces.