Studio Arhoj: a collector's guide to the ghosts, Familia and blobs

Of everything on our shelves, Studio Arhoj is one of the most lived collections. This is our guide to the studio behind the cult following, what makes each piece one of a kind, and how to begin a collection of your own.

We are proud to be a UK stockist of Studio Arhoj, and you can browse the full collection here. Our shelves get restocked regularly, be sure to stay on our newsletter list to be notified when we get a fresh drop. 

Who is Studio Arhoj?

Studio Arhoj is an independent ceramics and design studio led by its founder, Anders Arhoj. Anders began his design life in Tokyo in 2005, where he was studying, before setting up a small studio in his apartment in the Vesterbro area of Copenhagen and slowly moving into ceramics. That mix of Japanese character and quiet Danish form runs through everything the studio makes. Today Studio Arhoj is sold in only a small number of design led shops and galleries, and it has built a devoted following around the world.

What is a Studio Arhoj ghost?

The ghosts are Studio Arhoj's signature: small ceramic figures with a simple face and a quiet character all of their own. Each one is finished and glazed by hand in the Copenhagen studio, which is the reason no two are ever the same. Glazes pool, drip and blend differently every time, so the ghost you choose really is the only one exactly like it.

Every ghost has its own name, from Odette and Sal to Noreen and Jonny. They stand about the height of a coffee mug and cost £19 each. They make a lovely first piece, a thoughtful gift, and, be warned, they are very easy to collect. You can meet the current cast in Ghosts and Familia.

Ghosts and Familia: what is the difference?

The Familia figures, known as the Dot family, are close cousins of the ghosts. Some are large, some tiny. They each have their own shapes and personalities, and prices start from £26.

Where the ghosts are wonderfully simple, the Familia carry a touch more sculptural detail. Collectors often mix the two on a shelf so it looks like a gathered, growing family. It's nice to group a combination of heights and colourways to create a nice display. You will find them in the Ghosts and Familia collection.

The Crystal Blobs

If the ghosts are the heart of the studio, the Crystal Blobs are its jewels. These are pieces of glass blown by hand, bright and weighty, that catch the light beautifully on a windowsill or desk. Like the ghosts, each is named and unique, and they cost £41. See what is in stock in Blobs.

Mugs, cups and bowls for every day

Studio Arhoj is not only for the shelf. The mugs and cups and the bowls bring the same character to your morning coffee or your breakfast table, and they are the easiest way to live with the studio's work rather than only admire it.

Why is every piece different?

Because the colour and finish come from glazing by hand, every Arhoj piece really is a small and unique original. Think of it as a one off piece of ceramic art.

Two ghosts of the same design can look quite different depending on how the glaze settles in the kiln. For collectors this is the appeal and this is the magic. 

You are not buying something mass produced, you are choosing one particular piece. It also means stock moves quickly and rarely repeats, so if a piece speaks to you, it is worth not waiting.

How to begin and display a collection

Start with one ghost that catches your eye, then let it grow. A few ideas our customers love: group an odd number together, as threes and fives tend to look best, on a floating shelf or windowsill; mix the glaze tones rather than matching them, so the variety becomes the display; and let a Blob sit at the centre as a focal point where the light can reach it. Because the price is friendly, a collection tends to build happily over birthdays and other occasions.

Looking after your Studio Arhoj ceramics

These are decorative ceramic pieces, so keep them dusted with a soft dry cloth. As the mugs and bowls are glazed by hand, we would treat them gently and wash them by hand to keep the finish looking lovely over the years.

Where to buy Studio Arhoj in the UK

Well, from Lifestory of course! As one of a small number of UK stockists, we ship Studio Arhoj across the UK, and now to the USA and Northern Ireland too. Orders are carefully packed by hand for safe arrival, with a note from us, plus gift wrapping is available. If you are in Edinburgh you can see the collection in person and use free Click & Collect from our shop on London Street. Have a browse of the full Studio Arhoj range.