Secrets of Finland
‘Secrets of Finland’ is a collection of unique ceramic ornaments by Helsinki-based design studio COMPANY, designed for Artek’s FIN/JPN Friendship Collection.
We step behind the scenes to discover how the collection was developed.
What gifts did the Finnish delegation bring to Japan in 1919 to inaugurate Finnish-Japanese diplomatic relations? This was the question Aamu Song and Johan Olin of COMPANY asked themselves when developing new additions to Artek’s collection.
The result – a family of six unique ceramic ornaments, each celebrating a particular seasonal ritual belonging to the Finnish calendar. The Pauper Coin Collector, the Midsummer Dream Vase, the Lucia Candleholder, the Easter Witch Vase, and the Easter Dog Vase – each design draws on the animalistic traditions of both Finland and Japan to create a collection which will seem familiar to both countries.
FIN/JPN Friendship collection
In 2019, Artek set out to create a collection which celebrated 100 years of friendship between Finland and Japan. Created in collaboration with leading Japanese and Finnish designers, architects and craftsmen, this is a collection which thoughtfully highlights the similarities and differences between the two countries.
Despite the miles which separate them, these two nations share an affinity with nature, a love for silence, a reduced visual language and a respect for craftsmanship. COMPANY’s ‘Secrets of Finland’ creations epitomise these values and are the latest addition to the FIN/JPN Friendship collection.
COMPANY
Helsinki might be home for this design-duo but their collections are inspired by travels across the globe. Seeking out traditional manufacturers in countries such as Russia, the USA, Korea and Japan – Aamu Song and Johan Olin create contemporary designs, inspired by local craftsmanship techniques and traditions.
Their work can be found in the permanent collections of Design Museum Finland, EMMA Museum of Modern Art, Finland, Helsinki Art Museum HAM, Finland and The Icelandic Design Museum, and has been shown at Storefront for Art and Architecture, New York.
Founded in 2000, COMPANY has a minimal design studio in which they draw, paint, sew and mould clay. Favouring a calm and often silent design process – they break up their day with contemplative walks to the nearby coast with their dog Yaya.
The collection
“In Finland, we are rich in nature, cities, architecture and furniture, but not so much in little memory pieces or ritual objects. Not many visitors can see and do what locals do, since much happens deep in the forest or at the lakeside”
The ‘Secrets of Finland’ collection for Artek is a series of ceramic vases and candleholders, each with a story to tell. Created to showcase often unknown rituals, particular to Finnish culture – these objects have a playful and timeless aesthetic which invites you to discover more.
The Easter Witch Vase, for example, illustrates a ritual that welcomes a change in season. In April, Finnish children welcome the end of winter by decorating willow twigs with feathers and small embellishments; dressing up as witches they then go door to door to wish their neighbours a healthy year and receive treats in return for their blessing. Taking inspiration from this tradition, the vase's unique design is the perfect vessel for displaying an elegant plant or flower stem.
Decorative, functional and sure to bring a smile to your face – these objects successfully put the spotlight on Finnish culture, be that today or 100 years ago.
Discover the full ‘Secrets of Finland’ collection below.
Image credits: Artek, Mikko Ryhänen
