Poul Pava cups for Aida, glazed ceramic with colourful figures, Denmark, 1990s

A set of cups designed by Poul Pava for the Danish brand Aida, produced in the 1990s. The distinctive, colourful figures painted on white glazed ceramic became the hallmark of this collection  joyful, somewhat naive silhouettes that bring an expressive, artistic quality to everyday objects.

The cups are made from glazed ceramic, providing a smooth surface that is pleasant to hold and easy to clean. The slender form, tapering towards the base, measures eleven centimetres in height and eight centimetres in diameter, fitting comfortably in the hand. Each cup in the set features a different colour variation of the Pava character this diversity within a single series was an intentional design choice, encouraging collectors to seek out additional patterns.

Poul Pava is the pseudonym of a Danish artist whose simplified, expressive figures gained popularity throughout the 1990s. His collaboration with Aida, a Danish producer of utilitarian ceramics, brought his recognisable style into the realm of functional tableware. The collection embodied the democratisation of art the idea that creative design could accompany a morning coffee rather than hang exclusively in galleries. In Denmark, the Poul Pava series became a pop culture phenomenon, finding its way into countless homes.

These cups work equally well for coffee or tea. Their bold graphics also make them decorative pieces in their own right displayed on an open shelf or in a glass cabinet, they draw the eye and enliven any interior.

The set is in good condition with no significant flaws. The ceramic retains its full colour vibrancy and glaze finish.