Kaija Aarikka

Kaija Helena Aarikka-Ruokonen (3 February 1929 – 14 August 2014) was a Finnish designer and entrepreneur.

Early life and education Kaija Aarikka was born in Somero to a farming family; her parents were Väinö Aarikka and Alma Maria Kares. and decorative and household items, later expanding into personal accessories, dress jewellery and giftware.

Aarikka is best known for her simplistic wooden designs, often in characteristic round shapes.

From the early 1970s onwards, she also provided freelance design services for Humppila and Ahlstrom glassworks (both now part of Iittala) as well as for Tampella textiles.

Personal life In 1954, Aarikka married businessman Erkki Ruokonen; the couple had three daughters.

Her favourite pastimes included theatre, literature, and outdoor pursuits.