KUPITTAAN SAVI – Where Finnish ceramics found their soul


Founded as Kupittaan Saviteollisuus Oy in 1918 and reorganised as Kupittaan Savi Oy in 1921, the company grew from a traditional clayworks in Turku into one of Finland's most distinctive ceramic manufacturers. Building on centuries of local clay-working tradition, it became renowned for its decorative ceramics, sculptures and beautifully handcrafted household wares.

  • Unlike many large-scale manufacturers, Kupittaan Savi celebrated individuality rather than uniformity. Many pieces were hand-thrown, hand-painted and hand-finished, meaning that no two objects were ever exactly alike. This dedication to craftsmanship gave every creation its own unique character.

  • Kupittaan Savi became known not through a handful of internationally famous designers, but through an extraordinary community of ceramic artists. Over the decades, dozens of sculptors, decorators and designers developed their own artistic styles, creating a remarkably diverse body of work. Artists such as Kerttu Suvanto-Vaajakallio, Marjukka Paasivirta, Laila Zink and Orvokki Laine helped shape the company's unique identity.

  • Today, Kupittaan Savi is remembered as one of Finland's most beloved ceramic makers. Its handcrafted artistry, expressive decoration and timeless warmth continue to inspire collectors who appreciate ceramics with personality, authenticity and soul.

Timeline

  • 1918 – Kupittaan Saviteollisuus Oy is founded in Turku, continuing a local clay-working tradition that dates back to the early eighteenth century.

    1919 – Ceramic production begins, with the earliest known thrown ceramic pieces created by Gusti Franzén, who joins the company as workshop manager.

    1921 – The business is reorganised as Kupittaan Savi Oy, beginning the chapter under which the company becomes one of Finland's best-known ceramic manufacturers.

    1930s – Production expands rapidly as Kupittaan Savi develops decorative ceramics, household wares and new glazing techniques while modernising its manufacturing processes.

    1936 – Stoneware production begins, broadening the company's range of artistic and functional ceramics.

    1940s–1950s – Kupittaan Savi enjoys its golden age. Dozens of ceramic artists shape the company's identity through hand-painted decoration, sculptures and innovative forms, making it one of Finland's leading producers of artistic ceramics.

    1949 – Marjukka Paasivirta becomes Art Director, leading a new generation of ceramic artists.

    1954 – Kupittaan Savi receives international recognition at the X Triennale di Milano, highlighting the growing reputation of Finnish ceramic art.

    1950s – At its peak, the company employs around 600 people, becoming one of Finland's largest ceramic manufacturers.

    1969 – Kupittaan Savi declares bankruptcy, bringing nearly five decades of ceramic production to an end.

    Today – Kupittaan Savi remains one of Finland's most cherished ceramic makers. Its handcrafted artistry, colourful decoration and distinctive personality continue to be admired by collectors around the world.

Why collectors love Kupittaan Savi

  • Collectors treasure Kupittaan Savi for its unmistakable handcrafted character. Unlike factory-perfect ceramics, each piece reflects the touch of the artist who created it, giving every object its own personality and charm.

  • From decorative figurines and sculptural vases to beautifully glazed tableware, Kupittaan Savi represents a uniquely Finnish approach to ceramics—where craftsmanship, creativity and everyday beauty come together. Its warm, expressive style continues to attract collectors around the world.

Kupittaan Savi legends

Marjukka Paasivirta - Royal SiO2

Marjukka Paasivirta

The visionary art director

Designer Laila Zink - Royal SiO2

Laila Zink

The master of hand-painted ceramics

Discover the works of Laila Zink
Orvokki Laine - Royal SiO2

Orvokki Laine

The poet of ceramic decoration

Did you know?

  • More than 80 artists worked here

    Unlike most Finnish ceramic manufacturers, Kupittaan Savi built its reputation through the work of dozens of ceramic artists, sculptors and decorators. Their individual styles gave the factory an exceptionally diverse artistic identity.

  • A home for creative freedom

    Kupittaan Savi encouraged its artists to develop their own individual styles rather than follow a single design philosophy. This creative freedom gave the company's ceramics their remarkable diversity and artistic character.

  • Every piece is unique

    Because many Kupittaan Savi ceramics were decorated by hand, no two pieces are ever exactly alike. Even objects made from the same mould often feature different brushstrokes, colours and decorative details, making every piece one of a kind.

  • The famous elephants were born here

    Kupittaan Savi's charming ceramic elephants, designed by Kerttu Suvanto-Vaajakallio, became some of the factory's most recognisable creations and remain highly sought after by collectors today.

  • Nature was a constant inspiration

    Flowers, birds, forests and Finnish wildlife frequently appeared in Kupittaan Savi's decoration. These natural motifs became one of the company's most recognisable artistic signatures.

  • Award-winning Finnish ceramics

    Kupittaan Savi gained international recognition at the 1954 Milan Triennale, where its ceramics demonstrated the growing reputation of Finnish design on the world stage.

Every Kupittaan Savi piece reflects the warmth of Finnish craftsmanship, artistic freedom and handmade tradition. At Royal SiO₂, we carefully select original pieces that celebrate this unique ceramic heritage.

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