Arabia
Taika Coffee Cup and Saucer by Arabia Finland 1976-1979 Set of 4
Taika Coffee Cup and Saucer by Arabia Finland 1976-1979 Set of 4
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A rare complete set of four Taika coffee cups with matching saucers designed by Anja Jaatinen-Winquist (form) and Inkeri Seppälä (decoration) for Arabia Finland, produced between 1976 and 1979. Finding them together is exceptional—these cups are typically sold individually. Having four matching pieces in excellent vintage condition makes this an especially valuable find within 1970s Finnish ceramics.
The Taika series—meaning 'magic' in Finnish—is distinguished by its unique decoration of white berries and leaves in blue and brown tones on a dark background, evoking the atmosphere of Nordic winter forests filled with snowberries and wild fruits. The decoration combines airbrushed stencil technique with hand-painted details, creating soft edges and an artisanal signature. The contrast between the rich exterior pattern and the clean white interior creates visual clarity and makes these cups especially attractive both for daily use and table settings.
This set of four Taika cups and saucers is not simply a functional object—it's a piece of Finnish ceramic history. The mysterious dark background and delicate berry motifs transform the coffee ritual into art, creating a cozy and slightly magical atmosphere. This is the kind of design that celebrates the golden age of Scandinavian ceramics and becomes a treasured piece in any collection.
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Story
Designed in the 1970s, the Taika series represents the union of artistic ceramics and everyday use, bringing the expressive quality of Finnish stoneware to the table. The series is characterized by its search for functional elegance, based on nature-inspired forms, balanced proportions, and rich decorative patterns. The dark background creates a cozy and slightly mysterious effect, reminiscent of winter landscapes and berries under snow—a theme deeply connected with Nordic natural inspiration. The decoration combines airbrushed stencil printing with hand-painted details, generating a pattern with soft edges and artisanal presence. This technique was popular at Arabia during the 1970s for decorations that wanted to convey a sense of texture and 'magic' without losing the clean lines of Scandinavian style.
About the Designers
Anja Jaatinen-Winquist designed the form of the Taika series, creating an ergonomic shape with appropriate volume for coffee, cappuccino, or tea. Her work at Arabia focused on functional elegance and timeless proportions. Inkeri Seppälä created the distinctive Taika decoration, with its white berries, blue-toned leaves, and warm brown accents that contrast delicately against the deep dark background. Her decorative vision brought a sense of Nordic winter magic to everyday tableware, making each piece both functional and evocative.
About Arabia Finland
Since 1873, Arabia has been one of the most influential names in Finnish ceramics and Scandinavian design. The factory's contribution to modern design is based on technical innovation, craftsmanship, and collaborations with iconic designers. The Taika series is part of that golden period of Finnish design in the 1970s, where the goal was to offer useful, beautiful, and expressive objects for everyday life. The series was not produced for many years, making complete sets—especially cups with matching saucers—rare finds in the vintage market. Today they are highly valued by collectors and lovers of Scandinavian design, both for their historical context within Arabia and for the expressiveness of their decoration.
This complete set of four Taika cups and saucers offers a rare opportunity to acquire multiple pieces from an iconic series—equally suited to selective use, Nordic interior styling, or as a centerpiece in a curated collection of Scandinavian design. Each piece carries the quiet elegance and material honesty that define the best of mid-century Finnish craft.
Details
Decoration Designer: Inkeri Seppälä
Manufacturer: Arabia, Finland
Series: Taika ("magic")
Period: 1976–1979
Material: Glazed stoneware
Technique: Airbrushed stencil decoration with hand-painted details
Cup Height: approx. 5.5–6 cm
Cup Diameter (rim): approx. 7 cm
Cup Diameter (with handle): approx. 9–9.5 cm
Capacity: approx. 120–150 ml
Saucer Diameter: approx. 12.5–13 cm
Saucer Height: approx. 2 cm
Quantity: Set of 4 cups with 4 saucers
Condition
Minor wear may be present. No cracks or chips. As with all vintage pieces, this set may show signs of previous use and age. Any such marks are signs of authenticity, not flaws, and add to its unique character.