Tray tableDesigned by Rut Bryk for ArabiaFinland, 1946
Reference number: 8564
Tear sheet: Download
Material:
Rectangular top in polychrome painted faience with incised and painted decoration depicting a wedding couple by a church. Frame in limed oak. Arched and cross-shaped leg structure with brass supports.
Measurements:
H: 60 cm / 1' 11 5/8"
L: 51.5 cm / 1' 8 1/4"
W: 78 cm / 2' 6 11/16"
L: 51.5 cm / 1' 8 1/4"
W: 78 cm / 2' 6 11/16"
Description:
Between 1944 and 1947, Rut Bryk created a limited series of trays for Arabia, featuring motifs that ranged from still lifes to depictions of life events such as funerals and, as in this case, weddings. Interestingly, Rut Bryk married Tapio Wirkkala in 1945 — just one year before the tray in question was made.
These trays were included in several exhibitions during the mid-1940s, among them a notable showing at Nordiska Kompaniet in 1945. Writing about that exhibition in the magazine Form, Åke Stavenow remarked that Bryk had brought her artistic expression to such a level of refinement that further development along the same path seemed almost inconceivable.
These trays were included in several exhibitions during the mid-1940s, among them a notable showing at Nordiska Kompaniet in 1945. Writing about that exhibition in the magazine Form, Åke Stavenow remarked that Bryk had brought her artistic expression to such a level of refinement that further development along the same path seemed almost inconceivable.
Rut Bryk (1916–1999) was a pioneering Finnish ceramic artist and designer renowned for her innovative contributions to modern ceramic art. Born in Stockholm, she studied graphic design in Helsinki before joining the Arabia ceramics factory in 1942. Throughout her career, Bryk received numerous accolades, such as the Grand Prix at the 1951 Milan Triennial and the Pro Finlandia medal in 1962.
