Kaj Franck Kilta Tableware 1948

  • Not on view

Always striving for what he called the "optimal object," Franck reduced forms to their most basic iterations in the interest of enhanced function, affordability, and anonymity. The Kilta kitchen and tablewares are among his most celebrated designs. Each piece in this monochromatic series (produced in white, black, green, blue, and yellow) is meant to perform a range of functions—from food preparation to serving and even storage. Franck veered away from tradition by removing unnecessary handles, reshaping spouts, and designing lids to fit multiple pieces. The service attracted international attention and was manufacturer Arabia’s most popular model for more than twenty years.

Gallery label from Counter Space: Design and the Modern Kitchen, September 15, 2010-March 14, 2011.
Additional text

The Kilta Tableware service is one of the most famous works of this celebrated Finnish designer. Always aiming for what he called the "optimal object," Franck reduced forms to their most basic iterations in the interest of enhanced function, affordability, and anonymity. Each piece in this monochromatic series (produced in white, black, green, blue, and yellow) is meant to serve a wide range of purposes—from food preparation to serving and even storage. Franck veered away from tradition in removing unnecessary handles, reshaping spouts, and designing lids to fit multiple pieces. The service attracted international attention and was Arabia's most popular model for more than twenty years.

Gallery label from What Was Good Design? MoMA's Message 1944–56, May 6, 2009–January 10, 2011.
Manufacturer
Manufactured by Arabia, Wärtsilä Ab, Helsinki, Finland
Medium
Glazed earthenware
Dimensions
.1: 4 x 8 3/4" (10.2 x 22.2 cm) .2: 3 3/8 x 7 3/8" (8.6 x 18.7 cm) .3: 2 5/8 x 5 3/4" (6.7 x 14.6 cm) .4: 1 7/8 x 6 1/8" (4.8 x 15.6 cm) .5: 3 3/4 x 9" (9.5 x 22.9 cm) .6: 8 1/2" (21.6 cm) .7: 7 3/4" (19.7 cm) .8: 5 3/4" (14.6 cm) .9: 4 3/8 x 9 3/8" (11.1 x 23.8 cm) .10: 6 1/2" (16.5 cm)
Credit
Gift of Waertsila Corporation, New York
Object number
144.1955.1-10
Department
Architecture and Design

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