Timo, Parvilintu, Howard Smith, Arabia

The Details
Designer: Howard Smith
Object: Ceramic bird / Ceramic art
Model: Timo
Series: Parvilintu
Manufacturer: Arabia
Period of Manufacture: 1990s
Material: Fine earthenware
Technique: Slip-cast
Color: Black body, orange beak, black and white eyes.
Width: 200 mm
Length: 50 mm
Height: 215 mm 
Weight: 980 g
Condition: Excellent condition with minimal signs of wear.
Signed: Unsigned (As Issued)
Numbered: Unnumbered
Keyword: Finnish design

The Story
The ceramic bird "Timo" 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 hard faience and finished with a matte glaze, this sculptural piece catches the eye with its bold silhouette, black body, and contrasting orange and white details. Unlike traditional animal figures, the "Parvi" series does not depict birds realistically; instead, each bird is given its own name and playful personality, making "Timo" a unique 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.