Tasaraita, which is Finnish for equal stripes, is a Finnish design icon. The simplest pattern – two different colors of stripes is repeated – was designed by Annika Rimala in 1968 for Marimekko. Tasaraita is probably the most popular, well-known and widely used design pattern in Finland.
Today, Tasaraita can be seen in coffee cups as well. Tasaraita coffee cups are designed by Sami Ruotsalainen based on the original print of Annika Rimala. The cups come in two different shapes: one does not have a handle with a volume of 2 deciliters, and the other bigger one has a handle and a volume of 2,5 deciliters. The former comes in colors of white and red, or white and yellow, and the bigger one with stripes of white and red, or white and black.
The look of the Tasaraita cup is traditional, yet modern. The shape of the cup is from Marimekko’s Oiva cups, which are also designed by Sami Ruotsalainen. The look of the cup is direct, but some extra softness is provided by rounded edges and ends. Generally the smaller, handle-less cup looks more rounded or “soft” than its bigger brother.
If one puts these cups on the table in Finland, everyone knows the reference and the talk will turn to nostalgic memories related to the Tasaraita pattern. However, Tasaraita cups do not need to have this history to survive, as they look good without the reference points as well. The cups can be easily combined with any white tableware, specially with the Marimekko’s Oiva series, where the form is the same.
It has always been the idea of Marimekko to create something new and give an opportunity to young talented designers. This time they have taken something from their tradition and still have been able to create a new, fresh way to look at everyday objects.
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