An Arabia milk jug was once found in almost every Finnish home—now the most coveted ones can cost over 1,000 euros
Before milk cartons became commonplace, a milk jug was an everyday household item in nearly every Finnish home. Throughout its history, the Finnish ceramics brand Arabia has produced as many as a couple of thousand different jugs, which are now highly sought after by collectors.
Before milk cartons took over, the white elixir was served in jugs at the dining table. These jugs were part of Finnish ceramics factories’ offerings from the late 1800s onward, and they were especially popular in the 1920s and 1930s, as well as in the decades right after World War II.
It was only when carton containers became widespread in the early 1970s that milk jugs turned into unnecessary shelf-fillers.
When did milk jug production begin in Finland?
The Finnish ceramics brand Arabia’s factory in Helsinki made jugs since the company’s early days (the company was founded in 1873). Considering all shape, size, material, and decorative variations, the factory’s archives may include over two thousand different jugs in total.
Where did the designs come from?
In the beginning, designs and decorations were copied from Rörstrand in Sweden. The 1877 price list names five different models available in white, hand-painted, and copper-printed versions. By the early 1900s, an additional 47 models had been introduced. In the early 1900s, fewer new jugs appeared, but starting again in the 1930s, they became popular as parts of full dinnerware sets.
Over time, jugs were also designed by Finnish household names: Greta-Lisa Jäderholm-Snellman created the LB and ML pitchers, Kurt Ekholm introduced the AH and AR models. The 1950s and 1960s brought designs by Kaj Franck, Kaarina Aho and others.
“A parrot jug” in pristine condition can fetch—and has even sold for—over a thousand euros.
How were milk jugs made?
At Arabia, jugs were made by pouring clay into plaster molds. The handle was usually cast separately and attached with liquid clay slip. Early relief-decorated pieces were made by pressing thin sheets of clay into the inside of a mold. Most jugs were crafted from various faience clays.
How were milk jugs decorated?
Arabia’s milk jugs are usually adorned with homey motifs, such as stylized flowers and plants, landscapes, birds, butterflies, and windmills.
Decorations were applied to the jugs using decals or so-called airbrushed motifs. There are hundreds of image and decorative themes, and the first decal decoration was Azalea from 1897. Airbrushed decoration became more common in the 1930s and 40s. Copperplate printing was also used. From the start, pitchers were decorated by hand painting and with colored glazes.
Arabia’s milk jugs coveted by collectors
Today, it is precisely Arabia’s milk jugs that are popular collector’s items as well as charming everyday objects, even suitable as flower vases. Papukaijakannu still commands a high price, with pristine examples listing and selling for over a thousand euros. Even minor chips and wear lower the price.
Source and more information in Finnish: Marjut Kumela, Marja Blåfield: Keräilijän aarteet – Arabian kannuja. WSOY.
