"It is cute, charming and likeable. The feline is rather expressive."
Kaasinen (1918–1980) trained as a ceramist at Arabia's porcelain factory, after which he was mainly active in Sweden, i.a., at Uppsala-Ekeby. He has produced a number of public works of art in Finland, Sweden as well as internationally. His ceramics mainly include stylized, humorous animal and human figures.
”These are rare items, difficult to recognize as they rarely come on the market. The form is streamlined and special. The colour is also very beautiful.”
Originally, the tableware for Karhula glassworks was probably designed in 1939, but the production was moved to Iittala in 1949. The original set consists of four parts of stackable barrels in different sizes. The seller, interior architect Erkki Kataja (Company E. Kataja dressed Artek's furniture), bought the tableware in its entirety to use for everyday use, hence the number of small plates.
”Wonderful craftsmanship, fantastic finish and versatile production. Gardberg was never stingy with the use of materials.”
Bertel Gardberg (1916–2007) was a pioneer in Finnish silversmithing, whose production combines form with function. During his long career, Gardberg designed various objects, ranging from church silver and jewellery to everyday objects.