<img src="http://www.ourshowhome.com/img/shop/mid/arabia/SP168.jpg" alt="Heart Finel Arabia" width="200" /><img src="http://www.ourshowhome.com/img/shop/mid/arabia/L169.jpg" alt="Sunburst" width="200" />

The other day I was reading a post on <a href="http://www.thedesignfiles.net/">The Design Files</a>, showing the <a href="http://www.thedesignfiles.net/2010/02/melbourne-home-madeleine-stamer.html">home</a> of artist Madeleine Stamer. Madeleine's house was full of colour and crafty design, but it was the vintage enamelware pitcher and bowl she had that caught my attention.

Arabia is not only Finland's oldest ceramics factory but it is certainly one of the most respected. Initially a subsidiary of Rorstrand, created to produce lines for the Russian market, Arabia became its own entity from 1900.

I must admit I always love to <i>look</i> at enamelware but i've never bought it as it looks too 'campground' for me and not like something I can take seriously in the kitchen. Arabia is different. Boasting bright yet simple patterns such as hearts, flowers and vegetables or intricate black and white illustrations such as mushrooms or fish, the bowls are large, functional and decorative. <a href="http://www.ourshowhome.com/docs/shop/mid/arabia.html">Show Home</a> has a nice variety of Arabia for sale such as the two pictured above, however, they only accept pound sterling.

Check ebay for some great pieces such as the following:

<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/13/!Bl4)7iQB2k~$(KGrHqIH-EIEtrH8,T5nBLdeULpc!!~~_3.JPG" alt="Finel Arabia Pot" width="350" />

<strong>ENAMEL MUSHROOM POT</strong>

Currently priced at only $29 with no bids! I am not 100% sure if it is Arabia Enamel, but it certainly is reminiscent of it. With only minor dings and chips the pot is in great shape. The <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/VTG-60S-MID-CENTURY-ARABIA-FINEL-ENAMEL-MUSHROOM-POT_W0QQitemZ190372759077QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c5319c625">listing</a> ends on Feb 19, 201016:05:24 PST. So check it out asap!!

<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/19/!BmMyEfgB2k~$(KGrHqMH-DUEtt,eu6k4BLe),3iFTQ~~_3.JPG" alt="Mushroom Finel Arabia" width="350/">

 <strong>Vintage Finel Arabia White/blk Enamelware Mushroom bowl</strong>

Currently priced at $12 with no bids!! This is one of my favourite pieces with the mushroom design! According to the seller: <i>Original Arabia sticker still on the bottom.  It measures 6" deep, 8" around the opening, and 25" in diameter.  Has some tiny knicks about 3/4 of the way here and there around the inside and none that I can see on outside.  No dents.   No scratches!  Color is black on white and still vibrant no fading .</i> Check it out <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Finel-Arabia-White-blk-Enamelware-Mushroom-bowl_W0QQitemZ180470315684QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2a04de7aa4">here</a>before the listing ends on Feb 23, 201014:12:16 PST.

<i>images from <a href="http://www.ourshowhome.com/docs/shop/mid/arabia.html">show home</a> and ebay sellers kentrose and atmbomb75</i>