This stunning 1984 Maria figure is from the “Jouluy” (Silent Night) nativity set by Aarikka Finland. Based on our research, this set only ever contained Mary, Joseph & a ram / sheep. Though also produced in natural-finish beech wood, this is a rare satin-black painted figure. Designed by Kaija Aarikka, it stands 13-1/2" high x 4" diameter. in very good condition. There are tiny indentations on the back side of the figure, n the back of the halo, & on the arm. The base is stamped “Aarikka Finland.” Amazingly because they were found & purchased separately we also have the “Ram” figure in this nativity set, also in the hard-to-find satin black finish. You’ll find it here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/692190722/1984-aarikka-finland-ram-pohjanpassi ABOUT THE DESIGNER: Kaija Aarikka, then a textile arts student at the Institute of Industrial Arts in Helsinki, was unable to find any buttons to go with a dress she had designed. So she made them herself. From these fun & original buttons the story quickly went on to include jewelery. & February 24, 1954 went down as the day that Aarikka was born. Round shapes appealed to Kaija Aarikka from the very beginning. The buttons & wooden jewelry were followed by silver jewelry, candle holders, toys, gifts & home decoration products. Aarikka back then was original, bold & natural, as it is to this day. We are still inspired by round shapes, & other characteristic elements in Aarikka products include vibrant color, coziness & joy. Aarikka’s design is headed by Pauliina Aarikka, daughter of the company’s founder, Kaija Aarikka. Over the decades, Aarikka’s in-house designers have been joined by many guest designers such as Aino Favn, Jorma Vennola, Jukka Rintala, Tuula Falk, Markku Salo, Paola Suhonen, Anna Ruohonen, Anu Leinonen, Kalle Kuusela, Elina Helenius, Kaisli Kiuru, Anneli Aaltonen & Eero Sairanen. Each of them has left their own mark on Aarikka’s language of design. Source: https://www.aarikka.com/pages/about-us" 1984 Aarikka Finland Madonna, Maria, Jouluy Figure, Rare Satin Black Finish, Kaija Design, 13-1/2 High X 4 Diameter"
