Annikki Hovisaari for Arabia - Rare Ceramic Relief - Finland, 1960s

A vibrant and expressive ceramic relief designed by Annikki Hovisaari for Arabia in the 1960s. The stylized bird, outlined in raised relief and hand-glazed in jewel tones of turquoise, mustard, forest green and deep burgundy, captures the playful geometry of mid-century Finnish design. The deep cobalt background and glossy surface give it a rich, dimensional glow.

Hovisaari’s Arabia reliefs bridge the worlds of art and craft - bold enough to read as modern art, yet rooted in folk tradition and Nordic symbolism. Each one was handmade and glazed by hand, giving every piece a unique rhythm and color balance. This one is signed A. Hovisaari Arabia and mounted in its original metal frame.

We love how this piece brings color and warmth to a space - hang it solo on a clean wall or mix it into a gallery of ceramics and framed art for a more eclectic look.

✦ Height 40 cm x width 30 cm
✦ Glazed ceramic with original metal hanging frame
✦ Designer: Annikki Hovisaari
✦ Manufacturer: Arabia, Finland
✦ Period: 1960s
✦ Made in Finland
✦ Excellent vintage condition; minor surface wear and small irregularities typical of handmade pieces. No cracks or chips.

NOTE ON THE ARTIST
Annikki Hovisaari (1918–2004) was a Finnish ceramic artist and designer best known for her work with Arabia during the 1950s–60s. Her richly glazed reliefs and decorative ceramics often depict stylized animals, birds, and abstracted folk motifs, merging vibrant color and expressive form with the Nordic modernist sensibility.