Is a Kupilka a kuksa?
Before talking about Kupilka, let's go back to the kuksa and explain what it is. A kuksa is a cup carved by hand out of birch burrs in the Sami tradition. In this article, we will see that Kupilka is not a kuksa because it does not follow the Sami traditions. However, Kupilka has created new traditions and value to Finnish products!
Anne-Laure Compain
What is a Kupilka?
The Kupilka brand offers industrial models of kuksa. But not only! The Kupilka range is very wide and includes various kitchen utensils such as :
- Cups
- Plates
- Cutlery
- Knives
The Kupilka Company
The history of the Kupilka
The first Kupilka cup created was made according to ancient traditions by Kuisma in 1775, to allow him to taste the drink he had created.
Nearly 200 years later, a Finnish family who knew and mastered the art of carving cups for more than 20 years decided to create an ethical and ecological company. It was 1996 and the Kaasinen family was developing a "green" business at a time when it was not common. But, convinced of these ecological values, the Kaasinen family persevered and became the first company in Finland to use green electricity for all its production.
At the same time, another environmental issue was on the minds of researchers at the Wood Technology Centre. And so was born KARELINE, a brand new material made from wood from Finnish forests.
The combination of this new wood and this green electricity made it possible to create the Kupilka range.
It was not until 2003 that Kupilka released the KUPILKA 21 : the classic cup that is nothing less than the modern version of the cup carved in 1775.
Soak up the essence of Finnish craftsmanship as you explore the history and manufacture of this traditional mug and Finnish traditions. By subscribing, you'll receive weekly updates on kuksa.
The manufacture of Kupilka
KARELINE
KARELINE is made of :
- 50% natural wood cellulose fibers from Finnish forests
- 50% polypropylene used as adhesive
The advantage of this material is that it is durable over time, it ages very well without losing its quality. It goes without saying that Kupilka is not biodegradable. However, at the end of their life, Kupilka products can be recycled, burned or returned to the production plant to be reused.
Some Kupilka products
What is the difference between a kupilka and a kuksa?
The advantages and disadvantages of each
| KUPILKA | KUKSA | |
|---|---|---|
QUALITY | Industrial | Handmade |
MATERIAL | Kareline | Birch Burl |
ORIGINS | Finland | Scandinavian countries |
WASHING | Dishwasher | Clear water |
MICROWAVE | ✔️ | ✖️ |
CONSERVE HEAT | ✔️ | ✔️ |
CONSERVE FRESHNESS | ✔️ | ✔️ |
ATTACHE | Rope | Reindeer leather |
DECORATION | ✖️ |
So the Kupilka's are not authentic kuksa but rather the modern, industrial alternative. 💡
Buy your Kupilka now
Discover on our store our Kupilka
Kupilka 12 cl brown
Brown cup 12 cl made with Kareline ideal for a double espresso.
Kupilka 21 cl brown
Brown mug 21 cl made with Kareline for any type of drink.
Kupilka 37 cl brown
Brown mug 37 cl made with Kareline for big thirst.
Want to know more about kuksa?
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Alexis Le Baron
Anne-Laure Compain
TYPES OF WOOD
Which wood should be used to make a kuksa?The traditional kuksa is made of birch burl, but it can be carved in other woods !
Anne-Laure Compain
Anne-Laure Compain
Anne-Laure Compain
Anne-Laure Compain
Our spring game is here! 🌸
To celebrate spring, we're offering you the chance to win the kuksa pictured opposite. A unique model of kuksa, worth 150€.
The winner will be chosen at random and contacted by email on April 30!
To celebrate spring, win the kuksa in the photo. A unique model worth 150€.
