Launched in 1952 under the name Kilta, the Teema collection was renamed and perfected by Kaj Franck in 1981 for Iittala. Conceived as an alternative to the complex and expensive dinner services of the time, it is based on three fundamental geometric shapes: the circle, the square and the rectangle. Inspired by the aesthetic ideals of Greek antiquity, these shapes give Teema a restrained elegance and exceptional versatility. Described by Iittala as a “significant simplification”, the collection eliminates all superfluous decoration, emphasizing purity of line and uncompromising functionality.
Teema in vintage blue, with its deep, nostalgic hue, enriches this vision with a contemporary, evocative touch. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2012, Teema remains an icon of Scandinavian design, recognized for its universality and robustness.
Teema's design is based on a reduction to the essentials, where each piece is multifunctional: a plate can serve as a lid, a bowl can be used for cooking or presenting, and stacking optimizes storage. The unpatterned vintage blue hue acts as a bold “decoration”, highlighting food while adding a touch of retro character. This versatility allows Teema Bleu Vintage to be harmoniously combined with other Iittala collections, such as Kartio, Taika or Kastehelmi, to create dynamic, personalized tables to suit any style.
Designer
Kaj Franck (1911-1989) is known as the “conscience of Finnish design”. Kaj Franck grew up in a world of elaborate catering services and few stone dishes. In the course of his important career, Kaj Franck asserted himself between the two extremes and profoundly changed our understanding of tableware.
He has used mass production to produce versatile, practical tableware at a reasonable price. In addition to social awareness, Kaj Franck's distinctive career was guided by a desire to seek the essential. He studied endless basic forms with a particular emphasis on proportions.
Kaj Franck was a professor at the Helsinki School of Art and Design. His work won him international recognition and numerous awards, including Finland's most prestigious design prize, its namesake. Generations of Iittala consumers have purchased Kaj Franck's successful Teema and Kartio series, making these classic household items the classic Kaj Franck legacy.
Iittala: Finnish design defined by purity, functionality and the poetry of glass
A historic icon of Nordic design
Founded in 1881, Iittala is one of Finland most iconic design brands. Originally dedicated to blown glass, it soon became a cornerstone of Scandinavian design through its pursuit of simplicity, functionality and timeless beauty. Iittala represents a Nordic aesthetic built on honesty and clarity.
A legacy shaped by visionary designers
Iittala owes much of its fame to major designers such as Alvar Aalto, Kaj Franck and Tapio Wirkkala. Their creations, now global icons, express the essence of Finnish modernism through organic shapes, minimalism and deep respect for materials. The brand continues to reissue these masterpieces while collaborating with contemporary designers.
Mastery of blown glass and refined Nordic materials
Iittala craftsmanship is rooted in exceptional expertise in blown glass. Every vase, bowl or decorative object is made with precision in its Finnish workshops. The brand also works with ceramic, stainless steel and other materials, always prioritising durability, purity and long lasting quality.
A collection combining beauty and everyday functionality
Iittala offers a complete range: glassware, vases, tableware, decorative objects and iconic Finnish design pieces. Lines are clean, colours refined and forms built to last. Each item is conceived to be both beautiful and useful, following the core principles of Scandinavian design.
Timeless series that span generations
The Aalto collection, the Teema series, Kartio glassware and Ruutu vases are among the most celebrated pieces. These designs have become international symbols of Nordic aesthetics, blending simplicity and expressive form.
Conclusion: Finnish glass art shaped by tradition and modernity
Iittala expresses a pure and poetic vision of design, where craftsmanship, simplicity and durability come together. Choosing Iittala means bringing Nordic authenticity and timeless beauty into everyday life.
