Kaj Gabriel Franck was a leading figure in 20th-century Finnish design, specializing in ceramics and glass. As the creative director of Arabia Ceramics, now part of Iittala, he, along with fellow Finns Timo Sarpaneva and Tapio Wirkkala, helped popularize the bright, warm and curvy aesthetic of Scandinavian modernism. Design Forum Finland’s Kaj Franck Design Prize, established in 1992 and awarded each year around his birthday, is among the country’s most prestigious honors for designers.
Franck was born in 1911 in the city of Vyborg, which now belongs to Russia, but was then part of the Grand Duchy of Finland. He studied furniture design at the Central School of Industrial Design in Helsinki, and after graduating in 1932, worked as a catalogue illustrator for the Riihimäki glassworks, exploring interior and textile design on the side.
Having served in the Finnish armed forces during World War II, Franck joined Arabia in 1945 as their head of design. He remained with the company for many years, steering its line of tableware in a dynamic new direction. Franck professed an aversion to superfluous ornament. His ceramic designs were nevertheless complex and eye-catching, animated with playful, geometric forms. One of his most famous creations for Arabia was the Origami dish from the early 1960s, a glossy all-white serving piece resembling a subtly folded piece of paper with four shallow sections for holding food.
Although his Arabia ceramics became household staples for consumers in Scandinavia and beyond, Franck is better known among collectors for his glass designs, particularly those he created for Iittala starting in the late 1940s. In a 1947 Iittala-sponsored glass competition, Franck shared the top prize with Tapio Wirkkala. In 1950, he designed the company’s iconic Kartio series of pressed-glass pitchers and glasses, which came in different colors that consumers could “mix and match” rather than having to buy a homogeneous set. In 1977, Franck redesigned the series, renamed Teemaa.
Franck’s designs for Iittala embodied the Finnish concept of pelkistetty, which literally means “reduced” and in the design world refers to the pared-down, minimal qualities of modernism. This principle, evidenced in objects like his elegant, unfussy sets of jewel-toned drinking glasses from the 1960s, informed Franck’s view of the manufacturing process as well. Critical of mass production and consumerism, he was one of the country’s first professionals in his field to advocate recycling. He became known as the “conscience of Finnish design,” a role he embraced as a professor and later artistic director at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki.
In honor of Franck’s 100th birthday, in 2011, Iittala reissued Kartio glasses, Teema tableware and Purnukka jars, among other of his designs that retain their contemporary feel decades after their creation.
Find vintage Kaj Franck glass, vases and other furniture and decor on 1stDibs.
$695Sale Price|20% Off
Glass Vase Model 1496 by Kaj Franck for Nuutajärvi, Finland, 1960s
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Karis, Nyland
A stunning example of Kaj Franck’s minimalist genius, this tall rectangular vase was designed for Nuutajärvi in the late 1960’s. With its clean lines, architectural silhouette and su...
Glass
Kaj Franck Blown Glass Raven Bottle Model KF 508 for Nuutajärvi Finland 1962
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful mould-blown glass decanter by the renowned designer Kaj Franck. This art object has a distinctive free hand blown raven bird stopper on the top....
Blown Glass
Mid-Century Model Kf 296 Minimalist Sommerso Glass Vase by Kaj Franck, 1965
By Kaj Franck
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Model Kf 296 Minimalist Sommerso Glass Vase by Kaj Franck for Nuutajärvi Notsjö, Finland, 1965 Glass Vase by Kaj Franck for Nuutajärvi Notsjö Model KF 296 1964-71, Moder...
Glass
Kaj Franck Saippuakupla Green Soap Bubble Art Glass Vase, Nuutajärvi Finland
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and refined sculptural hand-blown art glass vase, titled Saippuakupla “Soap Bubble”, from the 1960s. It was designed by Finnish designer and glass artist Kaj Franck (1911...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Danish Modern Glass Water Pitcher Designed by Kaj Franck for IIttala Finland
By Kaj Franck, Iittala
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful elegant water pitcher vase designed in 1958 by Kaj Franck for IIttala Finland beautiful color and condition.simple elegant design , Iconic part of the Kartio series.
Glass
Kaj Franck Blown Glass Rooster Bottle for Nuutajärvi 1963
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful mould-blown glass decanter by the renowned designer Kaj Franck. This object has a distinctive cock stopper on the top, but can be used with or without. This particular series of decanters by Kaj Franck was manufactured for a limited time only, from 1955-1968. This beautiful and rare piece is signed Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi notsjö -63, and is really something exceptional to own or collect. Kaj Franck (1911-1989) was the artistic director of the Arabia ceramics company. He was one of the leading figures of Finnish design and an influential figure in design and applied arts between 1940-1980. His leading role and influence on Finnish design is celebrated with one of the most prestigious awards named after him (The Kaj Franck Award) . We have a few more items by Kaj Franck on our selection on 1stdibs. The Kremlin bells...
Blown Glass
Kaj Franck / “SOAP BUBBLE” VASE(GREY) KF113 / Nuutajärvi
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Kaj Franck
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
KF113 was designed in 1951 and manufactured from 1951 to 1961. It was one of the first art glass works designed by Nuutajarvi. The vase, named ‘SOAP BUBBLES’, has a slightly distort...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Kaj Franck Soap Bubble Glass Orb Nuutajarvi Notsjo Finland
By Kaj Franck
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A beautiful sculptural and fluid piece. The "Soap Bubble" vase in olive glass. Extensive signature, K. Franck, Nuutajarvi Notsjo Measures: 7 inch high.
Art Glass
Kaj Franck / VASE(Unique Piece) / Nuutajarvi
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Kaj Franck
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Kaj Franck is known for his functional, simple designs that are often referred to as the ‘conscience of Finland’, and his products are characterised by their use of colour without an...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Rare dark blue-grey & burgundy glass 1960s bottle by Kaj Franck for nuutajärvi
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Varese, Lombardia
A small and rare bottle with a blown glass stopper, created between the late 1950s and early 1960s by Nuutajärvi Notsjö based on a design by renowned Finnish designer Kaj Franck. Thi...
Blown Glass, Cork
$144Sale Price|36% Off
1957 Finnish Art Glass Vase by Kaj Franck
By Kaj Franck
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1957 Finnish blue grey "Usva" art glass vase by Kaj Franck. Made for Nuutajärvi Notsjö, Urjala. Franck was art director from 1950-1976. 6.5" h., 2.5" x 2....
Art Glass
Kaj Franck Art Glass Multi Coloured Goblet, Nuutajärvi 1960s
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful multicoloured art glass goblet by Kaj Franck for Nuutajärvi, Notsjö / Arabia Wärtsilä. A beautiful art piece with purples, reds, blues, and browns. This is the larger siz...
Art Glass
Kaj Franck / "KREMLIN BELL" KF500/1500 / Nuutajarvi
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Designed in 1957. Manufactured from 1957 to 1968. One of Kai Franck's representative works, it was exhibited at the 1957 Milan Triennale, where it won the Grand Prix. Designed as a ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Kaj Franck / "KREMLIN BELL" KF500/1500 / Nuutajarvi
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Kaj Franck
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Designed in 1957. Manufactured from 1957 to 1968. One of Kai Franck's representative works, it was exhibited at the 1957 Milan Triennale, where it won the Grand Prix. Designed as a ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
kaj Franck prisma vase crystal glass nuts jar I notsjo Finland 1963
By Kaj Franck
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Outstanding crystal glass vase, ‘prisma’ as titled. Early example dated 1963 in pristine condition.
Crystal
Kaj Franck Art Glass Object KF 239 in Red & Grey Green Shade, Nuutajärvi 1962
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Kaj Franck
Located in Helsinki, FI
This beautiful free blown art object was made in a number of sizes and different forms. This example is the larger one in ruby red with a grey curtain around it. Amazingly beautiful ...
Art Glass
Kaj Franck / “SOAP BUBBLE” VASE(GREY) L KF113 / Nuutajärvi
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
KF113 was designed in 1951 and manufactured from 1951 to 1961. It was one of the first art glass works designed by Nuutajarvi. The vase, named ‘SOAP BUBBLES’, has a slightly distort...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Kaj Franck Vase Crystal Glass Nuutajärvi Finland Olive Green 1960s
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Basel, BS
Tall and heavy Kaj Franck vase, model KF 304 in mould blown crystal, for Nuutajärvi in Notsjö Finland, 1960s. Beautiful geometric shape in a dark gray-olive and clear salmon base. S...
Blown Glass
Kaj Franck / VASE KF292 / Nuutajärvi
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Kaj Franck
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
KF292 was designed between 1961 and 1962, and manufactured between 1963 and 1964. Filigree glass, which was produced at Nuutajarvi in the late 1850s, was modelled on the techniques ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Kaj Franck for Nuutajarvi Notsjo Grey Cased Blown Glass Vase, Finland c.1958
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Flattened conical "Sommerso" vase in grey encased in clear glass. Engraved "Kaj Franck, Nuutajarvi Notsjo '58". Model no. 234. CREATOR Kaj Franz (1911-1989) for Nuutaja...
Blown Glass
A set of a Blue and a Yellow Kaj Franck Vases Model KF 234, Nuutajärvi 1959-62
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Helsinki, FI
Colourful tapered glass vases with oval rims and oval bases model KF 234 and this model was in producion during 1955-1964 period. The colors of these two vases are clear glass with s...
Art Glass
Kaj Franck / BLACK SWAN(UNIQUE PIECE) / Nuutajarvi
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Kaj Franck
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Filigree glass, made in Nuutajarvi in the late 1850s using techniques inspired by Venetian glass. The technique, which had fallen into disuse, was revived by Kaj Franck in the early ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Kaj Franck / VASE(Unique Piece) / Nuutajarvi
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Kaj Franck is known for his functional, simple designs that are often referred to as the ‘conscience of Finland’, and his products are characterised by their use of colour without an...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Kaj Franck / GOBLET(Unique Piece) / Nuutajarvi
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Kaj Franck is known for his functional, simple designs that are often referred to as the ‘conscience of Finland’, and his products are characterised by their use of colour without an...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Mid Century Modern Cobalt Blue Art Glass Vase by Nuutajärvi Notsjö, Finland
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Kaj Franck
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
A striking hand-blown art glass vase in a deep, vibrant cobalt blue. Featuring a sculptural, bulging neck and a wide, flat rim, this piece exemplifies the minimalist genius of 20th-c...
Blown Glass
A Beautiful Vases of Six Colourful Vases by Kaj Franck, KF 245, Nuutajärvi 1957
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Helsinki, FI
Kaj Franck designed for the Nuutajärvi factory from 1951 until the 1980s. At the same time he worked as a designer for the Arabia factory. At Nuutajärvi Franck designed art glass obj...
Blown Glass
1950s Kaj Franck Iittala Hand Blown Glass Small Vase Finland
By Kaj Franck
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1950s Kaj Franck Iittala hand blown glass small vase. Unique modern design. Dimensions: 5.5 H x 5 diameter. Please visit take a look at our listings, we ...
Art Glass
Small Bowl Designed by Kaj Frank for Nuutarjaervi Notsjo
By Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Small bowl designed by Kaj Frank for Nuutarjaervi Notsjo A vintage art glass bowl designed by Kaj Frank for Nuutarjaervi Notsjo in the 1960s. Clear and whit...
Art Glass
Kaj Franck / VASE(Unique Piece) / Nuutajarvi
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Kaj Franck
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Kaj Franck is known for his functional, simple designs that are often referred to as the ‘conscience of Finland’, and his products are characterised by their use of colour without an...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Set of Five Pink Mold Blown Kaj Franck Vases for Iittala 1947-1952
By Kaj Franck, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
These glass vases are made from blown glass. Kaj Franck himself worked in the glass factory at Iittala between 1946-48 as a designer. He of course designed a wide range of items duri...
Blown Glass