1902-1920s
As far as decorative objects, Arabia’s art nouveau reached its peak with the Fennia range. Surprisingly enough, the Fennia range’s patterns were originally designed specifically for the North American market. In 1900, an American importer, Mr. Samuel, ordered an entire ornamental model collection. The lively correspondence between factory management and the importer reveals that the range was designed by one or several famous Finnish artists. No source, however, has revealed who this artist or artists may have been. Guesses have included Gezelius-Lindgren-Saarinen and, for example, Akseli Gallén-Kallela. In the light of the latest research results, the most likely candidate for having at least participated in the design is architect Jac. Ahrenberg. Some of his sketches that have been found show some likeness to the Fennia range’s pattern.

The first model collection consisting of 16 different vases and an equal number of colour combinations were sent off in 1902. The pattern themes are of Finno-Ugric origin. The swastika decoration must also be viewed against this background – it was a common decoration in this tradition. At this stage, it did not yet have the connotation associated with it. Some pattern themes can be distinguished within the series itself – in addition to the swastika, for example, patterns based on flower ornamentation can be found. There were, however, combinations as well.

No new vase or other object models were created for the Fennia range; rather, patterns were added to items already in production. The selection grew along with production and in 1914 there were still about thirty models in use. The decorations were realised by pressing the outlines with copper-plate print, which were then filled in by hand. The series was in production until the beginning of the 1920s. The Fennia-range is also fairly well known outside Finland and has been popular among foreign collectors as well.