Nordic design Tile - Arabia Finland (Studiowerk) - Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist - Scandinavian design - 1960-1970

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Alexander Fahl
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Selected by Alexander Fahl

Art historian with over 10 years' experience and expertise in Italian design.

Estimate  € 110 - € 160
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Unique hand-painted wall plate designed and signed by Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist for Arabia Finland (Studiowerk), circa 1960–1970; porcelain ceramic in Nordic design, white with blue decorative motifs, dimensions 30 cm × 14.5 cm × 0.5 cm, weight 773 g, country of origin Finland, one piece, back marked ATELJÉ ARABIA FINLAND with GOG initials and UT Uniikki Työ.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Very rare hand-painted ceramic wall plaque from the prestigious Ateljé Arabia, designed and signed by Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist, one of the most important female designers within Finnish modernism.

This object is not a serial product but a unique studio piece (UT – Unique Work), produced in small editions or as a one-of-a-kind artwork within the artist's studio of Arabia Finland. The distinctive blue-and-white decoration features a rhythmic composition of floral and graphic elements, with a bold brushwork and an almost textile-like texture — entirely in line with Olin-Grönqvist's recognizable handwriting.

The organic shape and balanced use of color make this wall panel a distinctive decorative art object that effortlessly fits within both modern and mid-century interiors.

Studio marking & signature

The rear side is manually marked with:
ATELJÉ ARABIA FINLAND
GOG – the personal initials of Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist.
UT – Unique Work

This combination unequivocally confirms the authenticity and the non-serial nature of the object.

Designer

Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist (1928–2005) worked at Arabia from the 1950s and played a key role within Ateljé Arabia. Her work is internationally appreciated and included in museum collections, including the Design Museum Helsinki. She is known for her graphic approach to decoration, her refined use of color, and her ability to give ceramics an almost architectural appearance.

Dating
ca. 1960–1970
Period during which Olin-Grönqvist intensively produced unique wall objects and studio ceramics.

Realistic market value (2025)
€220 – €350
In perfect condition and well presented.
€400+ is feasible with the right target audience.

Dimensions: L 30 cm x 14.5 cm x D 0.5 cm

Weight: 773 grams

The silent beauty of imperfection: vintage with patina, worn by time and story, carefully selected. This item is securely packed with smart shipping, sent via registered mail, and insured.

Seller's Story

I have a passion for vintage design, and my objects mainly come from Scandinavia. I seek out unique gems that are then offered to new owners through this platform. I ensure that the objects are very well packaged so they can arrive safely. I hope that, through my circular mission of sustainability, these beautiful objects can be given a second life, serving as a good example for many others.
Translated by Google Translate

Very rare hand-painted ceramic wall plaque from the prestigious Ateljé Arabia, designed and signed by Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist, one of the most important female designers within Finnish modernism.

This object is not a serial product but a unique studio piece (UT – Unique Work), produced in small editions or as a one-of-a-kind artwork within the artist's studio of Arabia Finland. The distinctive blue-and-white decoration features a rhythmic composition of floral and graphic elements, with a bold brushwork and an almost textile-like texture — entirely in line with Olin-Grönqvist's recognizable handwriting.

The organic shape and balanced use of color make this wall panel a distinctive decorative art object that effortlessly fits within both modern and mid-century interiors.

Studio marking & signature

The rear side is manually marked with:
ATELJÉ ARABIA FINLAND
GOG – the personal initials of Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist.
UT – Unique Work

This combination unequivocally confirms the authenticity and the non-serial nature of the object.

Designer

Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist (1928–2005) worked at Arabia from the 1950s and played a key role within Ateljé Arabia. Her work is internationally appreciated and included in museum collections, including the Design Museum Helsinki. She is known for her graphic approach to decoration, her refined use of color, and her ability to give ceramics an almost architectural appearance.

Dating
ca. 1960–1970
Period during which Olin-Grönqvist intensively produced unique wall objects and studio ceramics.

Realistic market value (2025)
€220 – €350
In perfect condition and well presented.
€400+ is feasible with the right target audience.

Dimensions: L 30 cm x 14.5 cm x D 0.5 cm

Weight: 773 grams

The silent beauty of imperfection: vintage with patina, worn by time and story, carefully selected. This item is securely packed with smart shipping, sent via registered mail, and insured.

Seller's Story

I have a passion for vintage design, and my objects mainly come from Scandinavia. I seek out unique gems that are then offered to new owners through this platform. I ensure that the objects are very well packaged so they can arrive safely. I hope that, through my circular mission of sustainability, these beautiful objects can be given a second life, serving as a good example for many others.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1900-2000
Manufacturer/ Brand
Arabia Finland (Studiowerk)
Weight
773 g
Style subtype
Nordic design
Ceramics type
Porcelain
No. of items
1
Material
Ceramic
Country of Origin
Finland
Designer/Artist/Maker
Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist
Style
Scandinavian design
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
30 cm
Width
14.5 cm
Depth
0.5 cm
Estimated Period
1960-1970
The NetherlandsVerified
2554
Objects sold
98.74%
protop

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