ARABIA – From a Swedish factory to Finland's most loved tableware brand


Founded in 1873 by the Swedish porcelain manufacturer Rörstrand, Arabia was established in Helsinki to serve the rapidly growing Russian market. What began as a factory producing simple faience, porcelain and sanitary ware would eventually become Finland's most beloved ceramics brand and one of the defining names in Scandinavian design.

  • Throughout its history, Arabia has combined everyday functionality with artistic excellence. More than simply creating tableware, the company helped shape Finnish homes and dining traditions through thoughtful, beautifully designed ceramics.

  • Legendary designers such as Kaj Franck, Birger Kaipiainen, Ulla Procopé, Esteri Tomula, Raija Uosikkinen and Heljä Liukko-Sundström created collections that have become part of everyday life in Finland while earning international recognition.

  • Today, Arabia is more than a ceramics brand—it represents generations of Finnish craftsmanship, timeless design and shared moments around the table.

Timeline

  • 1873 – Arabia is founded in Helsinki by the Swedish porcelain manufacturer Rörstrand.

    1874 – Production begins with faience, porcelain and sanitary ware.

    1916 – Arabia becomes a Finnish-owned company, marking the beginning of a new era.

    1932 – Kurt Ekholm establishes the famous Arabia Art Department, transforming the company into a leader in modern design.

    1945 – Kaj Franck joins Arabia and begins shaping the future of Finnish tableware.

    1953 – Kaj Franck introduces the revolutionary Kilta tableware, later renamed Teema.

    1960 – Ulla Procopé launches Valencia, one of Arabia's most celebrated hand-painted collections.

    1969 – Birger Kaipiainen introduces Paratiisi, which becomes one of Finland's most iconic ceramic collections.

    1990 – Arabia becomes part of the Hackman Group.

    2007 – The Iittala Group, including Arabia, is acquired by the Fiskars Group.

    2016 – Ceramic production ends at the historic Helsinki factory after more than 140 years.

    2023 – Arabia celebrates its 150th anniversary, honouring a century and a half of Finnish design and craftsmanship.

Why collectors love Arabia

  • Collectors value Arabia because it has successfully balanced everyday practicality with exceptional artistic quality for more than 150 years. Whether it's Kaj Franck's minimalist forms, Birger Kaipiainen's richly decorated ceramics or Ulla Procopé's timeless stoneware, Arabia pieces are admired not only for their beauty but also for their lasting functionality.

  • Many classic collections remain highly sought after, making Arabia one of the most collected names in Scandinavian ceramics. As styles and trends have changed over the decades, Arabia's finest designs have remained timeless, continuing to be appreciated by collectors around the world.

Arabia legends

Designer Birger Kaipiainen - Royal SiO2

The uncrowned king of decorative ceramics is Birger Kaipiainen

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Designer Kaj Franck - Royal SiO2

Most influential tableware is Teema (originally Kilta) by Kaj Franck

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Designer Ulla Procopé - Royal SiO2

Most famous hand-painted series is
Valencia by Ulla Procopé

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Designer Heljä Liukko-Sundström - Royal SiO2

Most poetic ceramic artist is Heljä Liukko-Sundström

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Did you know?

  • Arabia was founded by a Swedish company

    Arabia was established in 1873 by Rörstrand, Sweden's oldest porcelain manufacturer. The factory was built in Helsinki to gain easier access to the Russian market.

  • Arabia once became the world's largest ceramics factory

    By the late 1940s, Arabia had grown into the world's largest ceramics factory, producing millions of pieces while helping define modern Finnish design.

  • Arabia tableware is found in millions of Finnish homes

    For generations, Arabia has been part of everyday life in Finland. Many families still use the same Arabia tableware that their parents and grandparents once set on the table.

  • Paratiisi was almost too colourful

    When Birger Kaipiainen introduced Paratiisi in 1969, its bold fruit and floral decoration stood in striking contrast to the minimalist style of the time. Today it is one of Arabia's most iconic collections.

  • Kaj Franck wanted decoration to be optional

    Kaj Franck believed that good design did not need unnecessary decoration. His Kilta tableware, later renamed Teema, became one of the most influential Scandinavian tableware collections ever created.

  • Arabia created its first Moomin tableware in the 1950s

    The first Moomin-themed Arabia ceramics appeared in the 1950s, decades before the famous Moomin mugs became international collector's items.

Whether you are discovering Arabia for the first time or searching for a cherished classic, every piece reflects more than 150 years of Finnish craftsmanship, artistry and shared moments around the table. At RoyalSiO₂, we carefully select original pieces so that these stories can continue to be part of everyday life.