The LOOPALU Fish Plate collection is inspired by the humble garfish. Known in Estonia as tuulekala (direct translation: wind fish), garfish is a predatory species that spends the majority of the year at the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. In late May, schools of garfish make the annual journey east to spawn in shallower waters. Hiiumaa is their prime destination. Here, they spawn in the bays of Mardihansu and Luidja as temperatures warm to 10-14 °C. Young garfish then occupy the surface layers of the Hiiumaa coastline before venturing back to the Atlantic in late August. This annual visit to Estonian waters (as well as the species’ distinctive elongated jaw and inverted eyelid) make the garfish a cherished national icon.
LOOPALU’s wood-firing technique combines craft and expertise with an added element of nature—fire. It’s this rare collaboration between craftsmanship and nature that elevates LOOPALU’s minimalist wares. With each firing, the Hiiumaa-based kiln leaves a bespoke mark on each piece that embodies the island’s character and essence.
Every object is completely hand built, glazed and carefully signed underneath. Each bears the mark of its maker in terms of colour, form and texture, as well as those found within the clay body itself. Please note that no two pieces are exactly alike.
Taking inspiration from Scandinavia’s famous nature and light, the LOOPALU concept is focused around minimalism and stillness in design. Each and every ceramic piece is built by hand and finished at Sulev Loopalu’s pottery studio located on the idyllic west-coast Estonian island of Hiiumaa. Building on 20 years of experience with ceramics, Sulev has developed unique methods and an eye-catching individual style inspired by Hiiumaa’s sights and nature.
Measurements:
ø 360mm
Weight 3200g
Washing by hand is recommended.