"In Finland, we are rich in nature, cities, architecture and furniture, but not so much in little memory pieces or ritual objects. Not many visitors can see and do what locals do, since much happens deep in the forest or at the lakeside." - Song & Olin of COMPANY

What gifts did the Finnish delegation bring to Japan in 1919 to inaugurate Finnish-Japanese diplomatic relations? With this question in mind, Finnish-Korean design-duo COMPANY created their contribution to the FIN/JPN Friendship Collection. The family of six ceramic objects are both decorative and functional; each celebrates a seasonal ritual belonging to the Finnish calendar.

In deepest December, Lucia the light-bringer triumphs over darkness. In Finland, thousands of girls dress up as Lucia and take part in a candlelit procession through the streets, proclaiming the victory of hope and love over despair, and remembering that even a small light can drive away the darkness. The Lucia Candleholder also has a smaller companion, Lucius Candleholder.

Expressive and of disarming naiveté, the family of objects evokes the animist, pagan pasts of Finland. They are hand-made by Artek's ceramic partner in Portugal, based on a close collaborative development process with COMPANY founders Aamu Song and Johan Olin.