I've always been fascinated by ceramics and beautiful objects.
When traveling, I’ve noticed how cafés can enhance my experience by focusing on the little details. It’s not just about the coffee itself, but also the cup it arrives in. The shape, texture, weight in my hands, and the way it feels against my lips all contribute to the overall experience. I believe that beautiful tableware can elevate the taste of a good coffee or at the very least, make the moment of drinking it feel more special.
Perhaps that’s why, ever since opening NORDIC BEAN, I’ve harbored a small dream of our very own coffee cups being displayed alongside the coffee bags on our shelves. These cups would seamlessly blend into your morning coffee routine, embodying simplicity, timelessness, and the essence of daily use.
From a small idea to a real collaboration
Just as I appreciate the meticulous effort put into brewing a remarkable cup of coffee, I also hold a deep appreciation for hand-made, timeless ceramics. There’s an inherent charm in an object that has been thoughtfully designed, meticulously crafted, and created to endure for years.
I have a soft spot for local craftsmanship and the individuals behind it. When I embarked on the journey of finding someone to create our cups, I was on a quest for a specific feeling.
I envisioned something minimalistic, earthy, and clean. Something that exuded a quiet Nordic character, yet still retained an unmistakable handmade quality. The cup should seamlessly complement a bag of specialty coffee and, more importantly, evoke a genuine desire to savor my morning coffee from it.
My dear friend Coco Yoga introduced me to Maria’s work. It’s funny how seemingly random conversations can lead to incredible ideas.
Meet Maria
Maria Kim is an Estonian ceramic artist and designer based in Tallinn. With an interdisciplinary background in applied arts and music, she has developed her ceramic practice through an exploration of both traditional and newer techniques. Her work is particularly recognisable for its flowing, organic forms and muted colours, inspired by the nature of Estonia and what has been described as its northern tranquillity.
“I love clay for what it already is. I try not to force it into something it doesn’t want to be, but to let the material speak for itself. I’m drawn to its natural textures and colours, often inspired by the quiet tones and forms of Nordic nature. For me there is something beautiful in allowing the earth the material comes from to remain visible in the finished piece.” Maria K
This concept resonates deeply with me. After all, coffee is more than just a beverage. Behind each cup lies a tapestry of people, places, craftsmanship, time, and countless small decisions. Similarly, a handmade ceramic cup embodies this essence. While its final appearance may appear simple, it’s a testament to the intricate process that goes into its creation.
Maria has exhibited her work in Estonia and internationally, and her practice has explored everything from hand-shaped porcelain to newer technologies such as 3D-printed clay. Her work consistently comes back to the relationship between material, form and nature.
She has also collaborated with other Estonian creative brands, including IRIS JANVIER, for whom she created the Süsi ceramic collection in 2024. That collaboration explored ideas of warmth, natural materials, slow living and meaningful everyday objects - values that felt surprisingly close to what we wanted to create with NORDIC BEAN.
Maria spends her days in her Savipallike studio located in Manufaktuuri Kvartal, where she crafts her ceramics, conducts pottery workshops, and brings custom commissions to life.
Making something for coffee
Creating a coffee cup is perhaps a bit different from crafting a purely decorative ceramic piece. While aesthetics are important, the cup must also feel comfortable and sit well in your hands. We didn’t intend to create something overly branded or trendy. Instead, I envisioned a piece that would remain relevant and comfortable for years to come. It could be used on a leisurely Sunday morning, at your desk during meetings, or when friends visit for coffee. Something that would become your cup.
“For me, a handmade cup should feel natural in your hands and have a sense of its own character. I also like that no two cups are exactly alike, there can be small variations in colour, texture, size and shape. These differences are part of what makes each piece unique. I hope people feel that when they use the cup and it becomes part of their daily coffee moments.” Maria K
Our first collection
And now, after a lot of thinking, making, testing and waiting for the kiln, that little idea has finally become real. I'm incredibly happy to introduce the first NORDIC BEAN x Maria Kim collection.
These cups beautifully combine two things I deeply cherish: exceptional coffee and exquisite, thoughtful design. Each cup is meticulously hand-thrown and glazed, ensuring no two are identical. Their purpose is to become an integral part of the daily coffee ritual, not merely a decorative piece on a shelf. In my opinion, beautiful objects belong in use, cradling freshly brewed coffee.
I’m thrilled that a simple idea has finally materialized from my mind into something tangible. And perhaps most importantly, it’s a collaboration between two small Estonian businesses that believe everyday objects can be crafted with a touch of thought, care, and beauty. Now, all that remains is to brew a truly exceptional cup of coffee.
Lilia, Co-Founder of NORDIC BEAN
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