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Inspiration & Tips/Get to know/Moomin mugs by Moomin Arabia – Timeless tales told in porcelain
Various Moomin cups from Moomin Arabia stand on a table outside, next to a stamping jug.

Moomin mugs by Moomin Arabia – Timeless tales told in porcelain

More than just tableware, the Moomin mugs from Moomin Arabia are handheld works of art, crafted in porcelain. Each motif is taken from the imaginative world of Tove Jansson – a world full of quirky characters who ask the big questions about life and provide us with quiet wisdoms. These mug collections connect generations and tell stories that, even decades after they were created, remain as relevant as ever.
Tuesday, 15 July 2025
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The summer Moomin mug 2025 ‘Beach Day’ stands on a step with the matching plate, with a wild meadow in the background.

Who are the Moomins and where do they come from?

Born amidst the turbulence of the 1940s, Tove Jansson created Moominvalley as a place of refuge: a world brimming with fantasy yet profoundly human. The Moomins are a family of trolls with large, round snouts who live in Moominvalley, deeply connected to the sea, exploration, and the nature that surrounds them.

Themes of loneliness, new beginnings, belonging, and the courage to be oneself weave throughout Jansson’s stories — echoes of which now grace the iconic Moomin mugs. Since 1990, Moomin Arabia has brought these timeless tales to life in porcelain, capturing their spirit through detailed illustrations that stir the heart and inspire reflection.

Moomin character mugs – personalities brought to life in colour

The Moomin character mugs from Moomin Arabia are among the brand’s most cherished collections. Each mug is dedicated to a unique figure from the Moomin world, featuring a carefully chosen scene, colour palette and expression of their personality. The colours are never choose at random, rather each colour is thoughtfully selected to capture the essence of its character:

  • Moomin - The gentle and kind-hearted protagonist. Curious and open-minded, Moomin embraces new adventures with a warm spirit.
  • Moomin mamma - The calm and caring heart of Moominvalley. Composed, nurturing, and always dependable.
  • Moomin pappa - A natural storyteller with a love for adventure and the sea. Reflective and philosophical, Moomin pappa brings a touch of depth to every tale.
  • Snorkmaiden - Romantic and playful, with a fondness for beautiful things and grand dreams she is a character full of charm and vibrant energy.
  • Little My - Bold, outspoken and fearless, Little My is small in size but leaves a big impression, bringing both mischief and insight wherever she goes.

These mugs are a tribute to the rich personalities and emotions woven into Tove Jansson’s stories. Whether you feel a personal connection to a specific character or simply appreciate the artistry, the Moomin character mugs bring a sense of individuality and colour to every table.

The green Moomin cup from @mylittlemoominfamily is outside on the floor, filled with strawberries.

@mylittlemoominfamily

@moominbyingri holds the Urahn moomin cup in her hand, with a rugged Norwegian landscape in the background.

@moominbyingri

Moomin’s seasonal collections – stories in tune with nature

Moomin Arabia’s seasonal collections, released as limited editions, capture the essence of each season through scenes filled with life, emotion and plenty of Moomin charm. From the first stirrings of spring to the quiet beauty of winter, every mug tells a story that reflects the rhythm of nature.

  • Garden Party (Summer 2023) - A spring day full of joy and light. Garden Party depicts Moominvalley in a festive mood, with bunting fluttering, the tables are set and conversations are flowing in the garden. Inspired by Moomin Water, a collection of poetic short stories, the design features soft pastel tones and a playful atmosphere, evoking the delight of shared moments outdoors as nature comes back to life.
  • Ski Jumping (Winter 2024) - Silent snow and gentle candlelight set the scene. The 2024 winter mug captures the serene magic of winter, featuring Too-Ticky with a lantern beside an ice hole on a frozen river. The illustration is taken from Moominland Midwinter, where Moomin discovers the quiet beauty of winter for the first time. Subtle blue tones and crisp light create a calm, reflective feeling.
  • Beach Day (Summer 2025) - Summer brings energy and adventure. Beach Day, the 2025 summer edition, shows Moomin and Snorkmaiden enjoying a carefree day by the sea, complete with a parasol, swimsuits, and a hint of playful exploration. Based on comic strip illustrations, the design radiates a light, holiday-inspired mood. Turquoise, coral, and sandy hues evoke the feeling of summer, whether at home or away.

Each seasonal mug allows us a glimpse into the timeless world of the Moomins and a celebration of the changing seasons.

@moominbyingri holds the Schlaf gut Moomin cup in front of a stone wall wearing a glove.

@moominbyingri

The themes of the Moomin world and the mugs that reflect them

Each mug from Moomin Arabia tells a story — capturing emotions, values and memories in timeless design.

Adventure & discovery

Curiosity, courage, and independence run deep in the Moomin world. Characters like Snufkin and Little My reflect the thrill of exploring the unknown. The Adventure mug from 2013 shows the Moomin family on the move — a bold symbol of change and forward momentum.

The Moomin Adventure collection, consisting of a cup, plate, jug, tin and bowl, stands on a table.

Home & origins

Some journeys are internal. The True to Its Origins collection draws on reflective stories like Moomin pappa at Sea, exploring self-discovery, change and the comfort of staying true to who you are.

Friendship & closeness

Inspired by Who Will Comfort Toffle? the Friendship mug celebrates quiet connection and emotional growth. The Friends Forever mug follows the same theme, depicting a heartfelt embrace between Moomin and Snorkmaiden as a tribute to unconditional closeness.

Family & security

The Moomin family stands for warmth, safety, and acceptance. Mugs like Family Forever and Moomin mamma reflect a world where everyone belongs.

The colour collection

Since 1999, character mugs in distinct colours have become beloved collectables. Each shade has been carefully chosen to match the mood of the character it represents:

  • Snufkin in green – free-spirited, grounded
  • Moomin mamma in red – nurturing, strong
  • Snorkmaiden in yellow – dreamy, playful
Here you can see a large part of the Moomin ABC collection on a table.

The ABC collection – your letter, your story

The ABC mugs combine letter design with Moomin charm. Whether it’s a name, a message, or a memory, each mug is a personal gift with meaning.

Haru – a tribute to Japan’s love for the Moomins

Released in 2024, the limited-edition Haru mug celebrates Japan’s long love for the Moomins. Inspired by Moominvalley Turns Jungle, it shows Moomin and Snorkmaiden beneath cherry blossoms — a quiet moment full of spring and belonging.

The Moomin values of mindfulness, nature, emotion resonate deeply in Japanese culture, perhaps this is why the stories have become so beloved there. There are cafés, shops and even a theme park, Japan continues to keep the Moomin spirit alive.

More than just a mug

Whether they serve as a daily companion to your morning coffee, a thoughtful gift or a treasured collectible, Moomin mugs connect everyday life with moments of warmth and meaning. They invite us to pause, to savour small rituals and to bring a touch of joy and reflection to every day. In their understated elegance, they carry a quiet poetry and a gentle reminder to be kind to ourselves and to those around us.

Moomin mugs from Moomin Arabia are more than a design piece. They are memories preserved in porcelain—timeless stories from Tove Jansson’s world that encourage us to follow our own path with imagination, individuality and an open heart.

Since their first release, these mugs have accompanied generations through life. They form bridges between childhood and the present, between fantasy and reality and continue to tell new stories with each collection - anyone who drinks from a Moomin mug becomes part of a story that never truly ends.

Photos: Moomin Arabia, Ardijan Mahmutaj, @mylittlemoominfamily, @moominbyingri, @jasmiiniflower

Anja Wahnig
Author

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