Scandinavian pottery picks

Having not found any for a while, we’ve picked up some very nice pieces of vintage Scandinavian pottery recently. And hailing from Scandinavia isn’t all they have in common. Gorgeous, colourful patterns also link them!

Up first, we have the pretty yellow daisies on a lidded dish produced by Egersund of Norway.

Then we have blue hearts and flowers of the Sirpa pattern designed by Raija Uosikkinen on this lovely salt pot by Arabia of Finland.

And finally, one of our favourite designs – the repeating, stylised green leaves of this Bersa bowl produced by Gustavsberg of Sweden – designed by the wonderful Stig Lindberg, of course.

So, three different countries of manufacture however, a distinct collective look. And if you really like them, check out our webshop – at least two of these pieces will be appearing for sale very soon.

Raija Uosikkinen lidded pot

We’ve selected this gorgeous little item for this week’s favourite buy.

It’s from the Emilia range designed by Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia Pottery of Finland. She worked for the company from the 1960s onwards and produced some wonderful designs. The colourful preserve pots with stylised fruit decoration and the plates depicting the Kalevala legend also spring to mind.

This particular piece is a lidded sugar bowl… also perfect for jewellery, keys, loose change – or any small precious thing!

We really don’t come across pieces from this range too often, so it’s lovely to handle them. They’re incredibly detailed, but also have a charming simplicity. Coming to the shop soon!

Use your Noggin!

We love these cute little wooden Vikings – or noggins as they’re widely known.

These vintage examples date from the 1960s & 70s. We think the name ‘noggin’ must come from a children’s animation called ‘Noggin the Nog’ which Justin remembers well from his very early years. It was the brainchild of Oliver Postgate & Peter Firmin and is considered something of a cult classic. The Nogs had a distinct Viking look and saga tradition – here’s a rather charming clip.

There are lots of different noggins to search out – if you’re of the completest persuasion you might want to consider a small house extension… but we’re happy with our two little friends sitting on the shelf keeping us safe from intruders – Nogbad the Bad in particular.

P.S. If you’re wondering what the other piece of ‘vikingalia’ is in the background of the top photo, it’s a rather gorgeous pottery plaque by one of our favourite designers – Lisa Larson.