Jasperi: A humorous design you won't forget once you see it
We have added the Jasperi series bowls to our web shop.
The series we are introducing this time is the Jasperi series from Riihimäen Lasi.
Perhaps there are some of you seeing it for the first time.
When I first saw this mysterious pattern, I was strongly drawn to it, wondering, 'What is this?', and it is a series I have been searching for ever since.
It was manufactured for only a few years from 1971 to 1973.
As it is glass from over 50 years ago, it is rare to come across it in Japan.
The first time I was able to stock Jasperi was during my 2023 buying trip to Finland.
'I absolutely want to find Jasperi.'
I visited vintage shops all over the country with that thought in mind, but no matter how much I searched, I couldn't find it...
At one shop I finally encountered, I was at last able to find just a few pieces.
At that time, when I asked the shop assistant,
'What does Jasperi mean?' 'What does this pattern represent?'
they showed me a local blog post that introduced the designer in detail.
This time, I would like to introduce this series with reference to that article.
The designer is Erkkitapio Siiroinen
Jasperi was designed by Erkkitapio Siiroinen (1944–1996).
He was a designer who was active at Riihimäen Lasi, a leading Finnish glass manufacturer founded in 1910.
During his student days, he was mentored by the master of Finnish design, Kaj Franck, and became an official designer in 1968.
The period when he produced the most work was from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s.
In contrast to the simple and functional designs that were mainstream at the time,
rich ornamentation,
playful shapes,
organic forms,
vivid colors
were incorporated into many unique works.
Representative works include the Kasperi, Jasperi, and Barokki series.
Today, the bottles and glass works he designed are highly popular among collectors.
What does this pattern represent?
Unfortunately, it is not clear what Siironen himself had in mind when he designed it.
In the article I was introduced to, his work was described as havinga characteristic 'organic form reminiscent of an amoeba'as a feature.
It certainly looks like an amoeba when described that way, but to me, it also looks like a row of flowers or people gathering happily.
Perhaps the charm of this series lies in the fact that it shows different expressions depending on the viewer.
What is the meaning of Jasperi?
It seems that 'Jasperi' is a word used as a male name in Finland.
However, as far as I have researched, I have not been able to find any documents explaining why this series was named this way or what this design represents.
The etymology of 'Jasperi' is said to be the Finnish form derived from the English name Jasper or the biblical name Gaspar, and it is known as a name that means 'one who carries treasure' or 'one who brings wealth'.
It feels like a lucky name, doesn't it!
If the day comes when the designer's own intentions are revealed, I will share them with you all again.
Until then, I would like to enjoy imagining freely what this mysterious pattern looks like.
The bowl introduced this time
What I have posted on the web shop this time are two moss green bowls.
Both items show almost no signs of use and are in excellent condition for vintage pieces.
This slightly chic green is striking and is a popular color.
It is so beautiful that you would never guess it was made over 50 years ago,
and it blends naturally with modern tables, pairing well with both Nordic tableware and Japanese ceramics.
If you would like to see them in person, you can also view them at our shop in Kurakuen, Nishinomiya City.
Please take a look into the mysterious and adorable world of Jasperi.
We look forward to welcoming you to our shop.
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Nordic Vintage Shop
BLOEM MOOI
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9-12 Hinoike-cho, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture
open 11:00-17:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
🅿 No dedicated parking /
Please use nearby coin-operated parking
🚌 From Hankyu Shukugawa or JR Ashiya
4-minute walk from 'Hinoike Koen-mae' bus stop
2-minute walk from 'Oimatsu-cho' bus stop
bloemmooi2020@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/bloem_mooi/
*The products we handle are one-of-a-kind vintage items and are imported for 'display and decorative purposes'.
Therefore, they have not undergone inspections under the Food Sanitation Act.
Please understand that they are imported strictly for decorative use. If you choose to use them as tableware, please do so at your own discretion.