Opera meets Moomins
Find yourself a good seat—on Moomin Arabia’s new, special edition Opera collection made for Scope Japan, the Moomins are learning opera singing! The Opera mug and two plates will only be available in Japan from Scope starting from April 1st 2025. Come along to learn more about the collection!
A special edition collection for Scope in Japan
The illustrations of the opera beginners are based on the poster and booklet designed by Tove Jansson, creator of Moomins, for the world’s first Moomin opera. The idea for the Scope collection, along with the opera theme, originated from an original Moomin opera (Muumiooppera) poster that Mr. Hirai, Scope’s founder, purchased from a vintage store his friend works.
The striking yellow and black color combination sparked my ambition to create a Scope Limited Edition Moomin mug featuring the Moomin Opera motif one day. Over a decade later, Moomin Arabia reached out and suggested creating a mug. I am delighted that the Scope Limited Edition Moomin mug with the Moomin Opera design became a reality for Scope's 25th anniversary!
– Mr. Hirai, founder of Scope
The Moomin opera – how it all began?
The concept for the Moomin opera was developed by Finnish composer Ilkka Kuusisto. After watching earlier Moomin stage plays, he reached out to Tove to discuss a potential collaboration. Shortly thereafter, Tove began writing the libretto.
When Tove began her work at the National Opera in Finland, the Moomins had already achieved worldwide success. Nearly all Moomin books had been published, translated into 20 different languages, and distributed in up to 40 countries.
In the opera’s libretto, written by Tove, a volcanic eruption causes a flood in Moominvalley. The Moomins find shelter in a floating opera, which offers a great opportunity to learn a new art form. Somewhat surprisingly, the most talented opera star turns out to be Misabel, Mrs. Fillyjonk’s small and sensitive (but sometimes quite bad-tempered) housekeeper!
The illustrations delight with dapper details
The Opera mug and plate designs are from Kaj Franck's Teema series, with illustrations by Parvati Pillai based on Tove Jansson’s original drawings.
On the A side of the light yellow-hued Opera mug, you'll find Moomintroll dressed for the opera, sporting a fancy cape and a hat adorned with a large feather. He holds a harp in his paws, with a rose beside him. Behind him, you can spot Snufkin, Moominmamma and Moominpappa writing a script. At the bottom of the mug you’ll find a special backstamp.
On the B side, you'll find Fillyjonk wearing a set of pearls, accompanied by three Hattifatteners, Little My, and of course, the opera star, Misabel. The upper part of the mug is decorated with a beautiful ornate pattern.
The Opera plates feature familiar illustrations from the mug, including a stylishly dressed Moomintroll and a grinning Little My. The plate's outline is also adorned with the ornate pattern familiar from the mug.
The special edition Opera collection, created for Scope, will be exclusively available in Japan through Scope’s channels starting from April 1st 2025. If you're planning a trip to Japan, make sure to catch this exclusive performance!
