Designs in Finland in 9.10.1998

My Dear Friend Ella gave me this delightful First Day Cover showing some popular designs in Finland in 1998. The details of the stamps on the cover are as follows:-

Savoy vases, by Alvar Aalto. The Aalto Vase, also known as the Savoy Vase, is a world famous piece of glassware and an iconic piece of Finnish design created by Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino Marsio. It became known as the Savoy vase because it was one of a range of custom furnishings and fixtures created by Alvar Aalto and Aino for the luxury Savoy restaurant in Helsinki that opened in 1937.

Karuselli chair, by Yrjö Kukkapuro. Karuselli is a swivelling and rocking armchair that was designed by Yrjö Kukkapuro in 1964. Karuselli is a classic of Finnish design and is present in several museum collections around the world.

Tasaraita knitwear, designed by Annika Rimala for Marimekko. Sip with Good Company. Sami Ruotsalainen designed this mug as part of the Oiva dinnerware collection created just for Marimekko. The simple, clean shape will inspire new conversation at your table. Mix and match with other cups in the collection for a medley of flavors. Made with hard, glazed porcelain, it has a long lifespan and a color that won’t fade or wear off.

Keep in mind the collection is dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe.

Kilta tableware set, by Kaj Franck. Kaj Franck's (1911-1989) famous Teema tableware originates in the 1940s. The series of dishes were originally entitled Kilta (Guild) and were finally brought into production in 1953 however the response was not immense due to the design’s drastic differences from typical dishware of the day. Stackable and versatile, Kilta was re-released in 1981 and given the name Teema.  The series became hugely popular and is now the best selling Arabia series of all time. The timeless and elegant Teema series has remained popular year after year, and it's one of the most prestigious Nordic dishware series.

Cast Iron Pot by Timo Sarpaneva. An icon of Finnish Design. The Sarpaneva cast iron pot, saught after by collectors, is now back in production. This pot is an excellent example of the ability of Finnish design to combine practicality and beauty. It has outstanding characteristics for cooking, and will turn heads even as a serving dish. The detachable wooden handle that allows you to lift and move its lid is a true stroke of genius.

Carelia cutlery set, by Bertel Gardberg. The refined Carelia has an air of festivity, but is also versatile enough to adorn an everyday table setting - giving you the chance to enjoy this elegant set of cutlery more often.  Carelia’s designer, Bertel Gardberg, is one of the major forces in Finnish design and a recipient of the coveted Lunning design prize, among others. The classic range, which was inspired by the Finnish archipelago, remains as modern and pleasing in design today as it was at the beginning of the 1960s, when it was first introduced.