Lucius candleholder – Secrets of Finland – Artek

This series of six ceramic objects, both decorative and functional, draws inspiration from Finnish seasonal rituals, evoking Finland's animist and pagan past with a playful and expressive aesthetic. Handmade by Artek's ceramic partner in Portugal, these objects reflect a close collaboration with COMPANY, known for its exploration of global craftsmanship.

Concept and Inspiration

To design this collection, Song and Olin asked themselves: "What gifts might the Finnish delegation have brought to Japan in 1919 to inaugurate diplomatic relations?" This reflection resulted in objects celebrating Finnish traditions while resonating with the Japanese sensitivity to nature, silence, and craftsmanship. The goal is to highlight often overlooked Finnish rituals linked to the seasons and folk culture, with objects that tell a story and invite discovery. The designs combine charming naiveté and functionality, in a style that evokes both Finland and Japan. Based in Helsinki, Song and Olin draw inspiration from their travels around the world, seeking to collaborate with local artisans. Their creative process, described as a "treasure hunt," is based on the discovery and interpretation of traditional skills, here applied to ceramics.

The six objects in the collection

Each piece celebrates a seasonal ritual or Finnish tradition, with a specific function and expressive design:

-Pauper Piggy Bank: Based on the Finnish tradition of placing wooden statues of "poor people" in front of churches to collect donations for the needy, particularly during Kaamos (Polar Night), a dark and cold period when the vulnerable are most in need of help. A ceramic piggy bank depicting a stylized figure, with a coin slot and a removable cork stopper to retrieve the money without breaking the object.

-Midsummer Dream Vase: Celebrates the festival of Midsummer (Juhannus), the summer solstice, when tradition dictates placing seven wildflowers under one's pillow to dream of one's future partner. A vase with a pierced disc inside, designed to hold flower stems in a style reminiscent of Japanese ikebana. Its appearance evokes a cartoon character, with a mischievous innocence.

-Easter Witch Vase: Inspired by the Easter ritual where Finnish children dress up as witches, decorate willow branches with feathers, and go from door to door wishing for good health in exchange for treats, marking the end of winter. A vase depicting a blushing-faced girl wearing a headscarf and holding a basket, with a cupped hand serving as a receptacle for a plant or flower. Its creamy color palette contrasts beautifully with the plants.

-Easter Dog Vase: Complements the Easter Witch Vase, depicting a dog accompanying the "witch" in her spring ritual, holding decorated branches (virvontavitsa). A ceramic vase with a stylized canine shape, designed to hold branches or flowers, reinforcing the connection with the Easter tradition.

-Lucia Candle Holder: Celebrates Saint Lucia's Day (December 13), a festival of light marking hope in the darkness of the Finnish winter, where a young girl crowned with candles leads a procession. A ceramic candle holder evoking a luminous female figure, designed to hold a candle and bring warmth and light.

-Lucius Candle Holder: Complements the Lucia Candlestick, depicting a male figure associated with the celebration of light in winter, reinforcing the theme of hope and community. Similar to the Lucia, but with a distinct silhouette, this ceramic candle holder is designed for a candle, with a simple and expressive aesthetic.

Technical characteristics

The collection is handmade in Portugal using artisanal ceramics, guaranteeing unique finishes and lasting quality. Dominated by soft, natural tones (beige, cream), with subtle details like the rosy cheeks of the characters, they evoke a warm and accessible aesthetic. A contemporary style, with an expressive naiveté reminiscent of cartoon characters (compared to those of Miyazaki by some) and a connection to the animist traditions of both cultures. Each object is both decorative and utilitarian (flower vases, coin boxes, candle holders), designed to be integrated into everyday life while telling a cultural story.

Highlights

The collection highlights little-known Finnish traditions, such as the Easter Witch and the Pauper, while also creating a bridge to Japanese culture through animist references and a clean aesthetic. The playful and narrative designs, combined with handcrafted craftsmanship, make each piece a conversation piece, perfect for lovers of design and folklore. The objects fit into a variety of interiors (modern, Scandinavian, eclectic) as decorations or symbolic gifts, especially for those with an appreciation for Nordic or Japanese traditions. True to the philosophy of Artek, founded in 1935 by Alvar and Aino Aalto, the collection combines art, craftsmanship, and functionality, while celebrating international collaboration. COMPANY's works, including this collection, are included in permanent collections such as the Design Museum Finland and the Helsinki Art Museum HAM, testifying to their impact on contemporary design.

Conclusion

Artek's Secrets of Finland collection is a poetic and artisanal celebration of Finnish traditions, designed with a sensitivity that also resonates with Japanese culture. The six ceramic objects combine functionality and storytelling, bringing a touch of Nordic charm to any interior. Their expressive design, careful craftsmanship, and connection to Artek's heritage make them unique pieces for lovers of design, folklore, or both.