Rörstrand Sweden Mira Mare tea pot

Rörstrand Porslinsfabriker:

History: 1726, a factory was established at Rörstrand, Stockholm, by order of King Fredrik I, to become the earliest ceramics-production facility under government-supported management. The operation began the production of faience in cobalt blue; from 1758, made enamel-painted and gilded ceramics; 1783 bought the rival Marieberg factory and, reacting to English competion, began producing cream colored earthenware; 1873, established the Arabia division. 1895, Alf Wallander became the artistic director and created his Art Nouveau designs. From 1917, Edward Hald worked for the firm, designing earthenware. 1926, the firm moved to Gothenburg; 1931 appointed Gunnar Nylund the artistic director; 1932. expanded to Lidköping, moving there entirely in 1936. Its tradtion of hiring innovative designers continued with Signe Persson-Melin and Rolf Sinnemark and Finish designers Oiva Toikka and Heiiki Orvola. 1983, Rörstrand was purchased by Wärtsilä/Arabia, becoming Rörstrand-Gustavsberg. Today Rörstrand is a brand of Hackman's Iittala division (wich includes BodaNova, Arabia, Hackman, and Iittala, no longer independent firms; and other brands).