ARS ceramic wall tile designed by Elgi Reemets

This charming ceramic wall tile was designed by Estonian artist Elgi Reemets and produced by the ARS porcelain workshop in the 1970s. Its subtle, vintage colour scheme adds a touch of nostalgia to any room.

The tile is in excellent condition and still bears the original price tag on its reverse.

Size: 17 x 17 cm

Background information:

The young gentleman's depiction featured on the tile may be inspired by Kristjan Jaak Peterson, Estonia’s beloved poet and pioneer of modern literature. 

ARS Art Products Factory: 

• The concept: Founded in 1944 right after WWII, the factory brought nationalised, pre-war artisan workshops (specialising in jewellery, leatherwork, and porcelain) under a single umbrella. Its goal was to bridge the gap between high studio art and everyday manufacturing.
• Massive scale: By the 1970s, ARS employed over 700 people, including roughly 100 top-tier professional artists. It operated dedicated studios for ceramics, textiles, leather art, monumental sculpture, and decorative metalwork.
• Household status: Almost every Estonian home during this era contained ARS-made products—ranging from massive ceramic tableware sets to leather-bound books and handcrafted jewellery. Their items were highly coveted not just in Estonia but across the entire Soviet Union.