Paavo, Parvilintu, Howard Smith, Arabia

The Details
Designer: Howard Smith
Object: Ceramic bird / Ceramic art
Model: Paavo
Series: Parvilintu
Manufacturer: Arabia
Period of Manufacture: 1990`s
Material: Fine earthenware
Technique: Slip-cast
Color: Green body, orange beak and black eyes.
Width: 240 mm
Length: 79 mm
Height: 140 mm 
Weight: 550 g
Condition: Excellent condition with minimal signs of wear.
Signed: Unsigned (As Issued)
Numbered: Unnumbered
Keyword: Finnish design

The Story
The ceramic bird "Paavo" from the "Parvi" series, designed by American-born artist Howard Smith for the Arabia factory in the 1990s, is a shining gem of Finnish design history. Slip-cast from fine earthenware, this sculptural piece catches the eye with its green body, long horizontal torso, and forward-stretching neck, which create a dynamic impression of movement even when the figure stands still. Unlike traditional animal figures, the "Parvi" series does not depict birds realistically; instead, each bird is given its own name and playful personality, making "Paavo" a unique and distinctive design object. As the "Parvi" series has increasingly gained value among collectors, well-preserved figures are highly sought-after finds today. Due to its distinctive artistic expression and stable demand in the design market, this piece offers collectors stable, long-term investment value.