Ikea Viktigt

Handmade all through, Viktigt is created in collaboration with Ingegerd Råman, one of Scandinavia’s most well-known glass designers and ceramists.

Besides descreet glassworks and ceramic sets, much is made from bamboo and natural fibre. It includes furniture, baskets, rugs, a couple of large lamps, bowls in different sizes and braided lids. The beauty comes through in its function. It’s about millimetres. Constant corrections and improvements. Viktigt is work based on obstinate reduction until just the essence, the essentials, remain.

Built on craftmanship, energy and natural beauty, Viktigt is the result of a collaboration with skilled craftmen together with Ingegerd Råman and Ikea designer Nike Karlsson and Wiebke Braasch. The designers were involved throughout the process, using their hands and being a part of the product devolpment on the factory floor. Ingegerd, Nike and Wiebke’s skills as craftsmen themselves made the whole production process between Designs and local Indonesian and Polish artisans organic and collaborative. “It was fantastic to work so closely with the skilled craftsmen in Vietnam and being part of transforming different natural fibres into wonderful handwoven pieces. I feel so much respect for these craftsmen whenever I see them weave,” says Wiebke Braasch.

The Swedish origin and design sensibility are evident in every piece and every detail of this collection. Thanks to the handmade quality of the glassware, ceramic and natural fibre pieces, this whole collection radiates a human energy and timeless beauty. “Pieces made from natural fibers are as far from standardized design as you can get. It’s handmade. Every chair and basket is different – that’s what intrigues me the most,” says Nike Karlsson.

Working with natural fibre from water hyacinth was a challenge for Ingegerd Råman. “I found the heavy brown fibre difficult to work with. However, resistance can be an advantage. The challenge lay in finding a way to produce something that was also beautiful. The result was two large, patterned baskets in black and light brown, which became my favourites”, says Ingegerd.

As part of VIKTIGT collection IKEA is launching a book about Ingegerd Råman. She welcomes you into her Swedish homes and work studios in Stockholm and Österlen (a destination for creative minds). The book tells the story about her, her long and successful career as a glass and ceramic designer, and her view on design and creativity.

Viktigt collection
Design: Ingegerd Råman
Manufacturer: Ikea
Limited edition, available from 29 April