The Moomin Fazer Mug
The Moomin Fazer Mug by Arabia: A Rare Limited-Edition Moomin Mug
Within the Moomin collectors' world, few items are as highly sought after as the limited-edition Fazer mug by Arabia. Created in 2004, this mug stands out not just for its design but also for the rich history and exclusivity it embodies. With only 400 pieces ever produced and each mug individually numbered, it is a rare gem for Moomin collectors.
The story of the Fazer mug (official Moomin mug nr. 27) begins with a collaboration between two iconic Finnish brands: Fazer and Arabia. Fazer, an old renowned Finnish confectionery name, and Arabia, a distinguished ceramics and porcelain manufacturer, both hold a special place in Finnish culture. In 2004, these two brands came together to create a limited-edition mug that would commemorate the spirit of Christmas and the rich heritage of Fazer’s Christmas gifts.
Twenty Pieces Given Straight to Fazer Employees - Only 380 for Sale to the Public
The Fazer mug was designed as a special tribute, initially intended for the employees of Fazer. However, the story of its distribution adds an interesting layer to its exclusivity. The Christmas-themed Fazer mugs were ordered from Arabia by Karl Fazer Café in 2004. Although only the first twenty mugs were given directly to Fazer employees, 380 were made available for public sale, exclusively from the oldest Fazer Café in Helsinki.
None of the mugs were sold with a label on them; they were sold as is. However, some were wrapped in a plastic see-through wrap with a red decorative ribbon to make them more appealing to buyers.
The idea for this mug came to life when Tove Jansson’s old drawings for a Christmas commercial were discovered in Fazer’s archives. In the 1950s, Fazer employed many artists to design their advertisements, and Tove Jansson’s artwork was prominently featured in these campaigns, including in the Garm magazine. These rediscovered drawings were then used to design the Fazer mug, adding a nostalgic and artistic touch to its festive motif.
The Motif on the Moomin Fazer Mug
The design of the Fazer mug is a visual feast that captures the essence of Christmas. Set against a dark yellow background with white dots visualizing snow, it beautifully symbolizes the essence of the Christmas season. The central motif is a large pile of Fazer Christmas gifts formed as a Christmas tree. Each gift in the pile is of a different size and wrapped in Christmas wrapping, maybe showcasing the variety of Fazer’s Christmas offerings, and most of the gifts have “Fazer” written on them. At the top of the pile is a shining object adorned with a star. Just underneath this shining object, a wrapped caramel peeks out.
To showcase that this mug is a collaboration between Moomin and Fazer, multiple small Moomintroll and Snorkmaiden characters are seen sitting or standing on the various wrapped Christmas presents. Additionally, a Santa Claus character stands at the bottom right of the pile of presents with the Fazer text written on his long white beard.
The mug is inscribed with “God Jul” (Swedish for Merry Christmas) once and “Fazer”, the company name, multiple times. Notably, the Finnish greeting 'Hyvää Joulua' is absent, emphasizing the Swedish-Finnish heritage of Tove Jansson, the creator of the Moomins.
The Exclusivity: Numbered Collectibles
What truly sets the Fazer mug apart is its exclusivity. Each mug is individually numbered on the bottom, ranging from 1 to 400. This numbering system adds a layer of uniqueness and authenticity to each piece. Owning a numbered mug, such as '240/400' signifies not just possession of a beautiful porcelain piece but also a connection to a specific moment in time and a select group of individuals who were part of Fazer in 2004.
The Collector's Appeal
For collectors, the Fazer mug represents more than just a piece of ceramic. It is a symbol of rarity, history, and cultural significance. The limited production run of 400 pieces means the mug is highly sought after, with its value (probably) increasing over time.
The emotional connection that many feel towards the mug is also significant. For those who were part of Fazer in 2004, the mug is a reminder of their time with the company. For others, it represents a piece of Swedish-Finnish cultural history, a collaboration between two brands.
The price of the Fazer Moomin Mug
The price of the Fazer Moomin mug varies depending on its condition. As of 2024, the price has been seen ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 €. Over the years, the value of the mug has significantly increased, rendering it a valuable collectible for Moomin enthusiasts and collectors.