Since its launch in 2007, Taika ('Magic' in English), has established itself as one of Iittala's best loved series. The unique illustrations of Klaus Haapaniemi, whose recognisable style is a mixture of influences from Finnish folklore to Slavic animation and Japanese etchings, work in unison with the clean lined shapes of Professor Heikki Orvola.

 

 

Klaus Haapaniemi (b. 1970) has received a lot of attention in recent years on the international stage with his unique style; he has designed for and collaborated with Cacharel, Christian Louboutin, Established and Sons, among others.

Klaus Haapaniemi also has his own collection based on luxury textiles. It is easy to find references to folklore in Haapaniemi’s illustrations; Slavic and Japanese influences are also strongly present. Haapaniemi graduated from the Lahti Institute of Design and Fine Arts and lives in London.

`At the start of the design process, I wanted to create a rich collection of products with a strong Nordic aesthetic. I also wanted to include playfulness and mysticism´, Klaus Haapaniemi reflects.

Taika mug 0,4 l blue
Taika mug 0,4 l blue

`To me, the shape dictates how the pattern is used,´ Haapaniemi says. `I was inspired by Art Nouveau style compositions, where the pattern is in a controlled collision with the shape of the dish.´

Taika deep plate 22 cm
Taika serving plate 41 cm blue
Taika glass 38 cl clear 2 pcs
Taika tea towel 47 x 70 cm blue
Scandia serving set
Taika coffee/cappuccino cup 0,2l blue
Taika cushion cover 50 x 50 cm grey Taika bowl 0,6 l white

A small story on every dish

The newest addition to Taika series is Siimes, (a shade in the midst of a forest in Finnish), with its spring like tones, light pinks and greens. With every dish a small story unfolds as the hedgehogs go and deers rest amidst the enchanted forest.  The way the pattern is incorporated onto the surfaces brings a sense of lightness to the series. The simplified form allows room for the mythical forest and its many creatures.