Vintage Marimekko Vihkiruusu Mug – Made in England, c. 1990s
Brand: Marimekko
Pattern: Vihkiruusu
Pattern Designer: Maija Isola
Pattern Designed: 1964
Production: England
Period: c. 1990s
Material: Ceramic
Colour: Burgundy, red, green & gold
A rare vintage Marimekko Vihkiruusu mug, produced in England and dating approximately from the 1990s.
Vihkiruusu, meaning “wedding rose” in Finnish, was originally designed by legendary Marimekko textile designer Maija Isola in 1964.
This early ceramic interpretation is particularly striking. Bright red roses and deep green leaves are outlined in warm gold against a rich burgundy ground, giving the familiar Vihkiruusu motif an elegant, almost jewel-like character.
The tall cylindrical form and substantial handle are characteristic of an earlier generation of Marimekko tableware and differ considerably from the later Oiva-based ceramic collections.
During this period, Marimekko commissioned ceramic tableware from external manufacturers. Vintage mugs of this form were produced in England, with examples commonly associated with the Staffordshire pottery industry.
The base of this example is impressed:
MADE IN ENGLAND
Today, these discontinued English-made Marimekko mugs represent an interesting chapter in the brand’s tableware history and are increasingly sought after by collectors of early Marimekko and Finnish design.
Condition: Pre-owned vintage condition. Please refer carefully to the photographs for individual condition and details.
Collector’s Note:
The date 1964 refers to the original creation of the Vihkiruusu textile pattern. This particular ceramic mug was produced considerably later, most likely around the 1990s.
