0.6 l - Taika blue bowl - 1012460 - Iittala

The Taika blue collection is an iconic series designed by Finnish designer Klaus Haapaniemi for the Iittala brand, launched in 2007. “Taika”, which means ‘magic’ in Finnish, perfectly reflects the spirit of this collection: an enchanting blend of imagination and functionality. It combines Haapaniemi's richly detailed patterns with the clean design of shapes created by Heikki Orvola, another renowned Finnish designer.

Origin & inspiration

Klaus Haapaniemi, known for his narrative, whimsical style, draws inspiration from Finnish folklore, tinged with traditional Japanese influences. The motifs in the Taika blue collection evoke a dreamlike world populated by colorful characters and enchanted scenes, where fantastical animals and natural elements mingle in a playful aesthetic. Haapaniemi himself shared that his love of Eastern European and Russian handcrafted animation, such as Zdeněk Miler's The Little Mole, influenced his creative approach. This narrative style contrasts with the Nordic simplicity usually associated with Iittala, offering a new facet to the brand.

Design

Taika's blue version stands out for its deep, vibrant tones, which highlight the intricate illustrations on a white porcelain background. The patterns, though rich in detail, remain harmonious thanks to Heikki Orvola's minimalist shapes, originally designed for Iittala's Aika series. The result is a range of tableware that is both decorative and practical, suitable for everyday use: plates, bowls, cups, mugs and more. Each piece is made from high-quality, dishwasher-, microwave-, oven- and freezer-safe porcelain, true to Iittala's principle of durability.

Influence

Since its launch, Taika has become one of Iittala's most popular collections. The blue version, with its timeless charm, remains a classic, although the series has evolved with limited editions (such as the 15-year anniversary in 2022) and new variations, such as Taika Siimes (2019) or Taika Sato (2024). The influence of Haapaniemi, whose work ranges from textile design to opera (notably Cunning Little Vixen in 2015, which inspired the Tanssi collection), continues to shine through in this line, celebrating the magic of the everyday.

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.