SOLD OUT - Ø11cm - Taika black saucer - 1012499 - Iittala

The black Taika collection is part of the Taika (“magic” in Finnish) range, launched in 2007 by Iittala as a collaboration between illustrator Klaus Haapaniemi and designer Heikki Orvola. The series stands out for its graphic, narrative aesthetic, with black playing a central role in the motifs set against a white background.

Design & inspiration

The black Taika collection features black motifs on an immaculate white background, creating a sharp, elegant contrast. Klaus Haapaniemi's illustrations draw on Finnish folklore, with Japanese influences, and depict a fairytale world populated by mythical creatures, stylized animals and natural elements. This choice of black on white gives the collection a graphic, timeless look, while retaining Taika's fantastic, narrative spirit. The motifs seem to tell a story, inviting the user to plunge into an imaginary world inspired by Nordic fairy tales. Heikki Orvola, who designed the shapes of the pieces, brings a Nordic simplicity with clean lines, allowing Haapaniemi's illustrations to shine without overpowering the whole.

Materials 

The pieces in the black Taika collection are made from high-quality porcelain, an Iittala signature that guarantees durability and versatility. They are designed for everyday use, being dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer safe. This blend of sturdiness and aesthetics makes them as practical as they are elegant, capable of withstanding frequent use while retaining their beauty.

Why should you choose it?

Black Taika, with its black-on-white contrast, is ideal for those seeking a bold yet timeless design. It brings a touch of mystery and poetry to any table, whether for everyday use or festive dining. The pieces harmonize perfectly with each other, but can also be paired with Iittala's more sober collections, such as Teema, for an interesting contrast between minimalism and whimsy. It's also an excellent gift idea for fans of Nordic design or for those who like objects that tell a story.
In short, Klaus Haapaniemi's Taika Noire collection for Iittala is a celebration of the imaginary, where black motifs on a white background evoke Finnish fairy tales with graphic elegance. It combines Haapaniemi's narrative aesthetic with Iittala's timeless functionality, transforming every meal or coffee break into a magical moment.

Designer

Klaus Haapaniemi (b.1970) is an internationally recognized London-based Finnish designer. In 2010, he founded the Klaus Haapaniemi artisanal design and lifestyle brand with Mia Wallenius. Their design approach is influenced by nature, Finnish folklore and traditional decorative arts with a modern twist. Inspiration comes from a rich selection of cultural references including the worlds of art, ballet, music and storytelling. Haapaniemi’s design experience includes many major brands including Levi’s, Diesel and Dolce & Gabbana. He has been recognized as one of the most important rising stars in design by the WGSN’s trend forecast.