Vase, Kauko Rajala, Arabia

Although seldom in the spotlight, Kauko Rajala was one of the most important craftsmen behind Arabia's greatest design successes. After studying ceramics at the Central School of Industrial Arts in Helsinki, he joined Arabia in 1950, initially working as a thrower before becoming Kaj Franck's assistant in the Product Design Department. Later, after several years as a master thrower in Arabia's small workshop, he returned to the department in 1961, where he also worked closely with Ulla Procopé. Rather than designing on paper, Rajala specialised in transforming designers' sketches into perfectly proportioned ceramic models, playing a crucial role in the development of many of Arabia's most successful forms. Alongside his work for the factory, he created his own Atelje studio ceramics, distinguished by harmonious wheel-thrown forms and rich oxblood, green and white glazes. In recognition of his exceptional craftsmanship, he received the Finnish State Prize for Industrial Arts in 1982. Today, Rajala's signed studio works are highly regarded for their technical excellence and for representing the remarkable skill that stood behind Arabia's golden age of design.