01 THE STORY
From Sketch to Table
The line begins with Tias Eckhoff's study of proportion. In Maya, the handle, transition and functional form are resolved as one continuous object.
02 THE DETAILS
The Details
Maya is recognised by its wide, strong handle, which narrows into a triangular transition toward the functional part. Rounded edges and a broad grip give the series a clear, sculptural silhouette.
A note from Tias Eckhoff
Tias Eckhoffs relationship with cutlery became especially important in 1962, when he designed Maya for Norstaal. The broad handle narrows into a triangular form, while rounded edges give the pieces a strong but comfortable grip. The design became one of the defining Scandinavian cutlery patterns of the twentieth century, later entering Phaidon Design Classics and museum collections including MoMA in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Eckhoff continued to explore the table through collections including Una, Chaco and Maya 2000, each revisiting proportion, balance and the relationship between strict geometry and softer curves. His work rarely depended on ornament. Character emerged instead from the way an object was refined — slowly, physically and with extraordinary attention to the smallest shifts in form.
“I work slowly, I would like to file on a piece of cutlery for a year.” — Tias Eckhoff
Tias Eckhoff
Questions about Stelton Maya Cutlery Set 24 Pieces
What happens when a 1962 design classic is repeated around six place settings?
The 24-piece Maya set brings Tias Eckhoff’s original design into its clearest table setting: knife, fork, spoon and tea spoon for six guests. Repeated around the table, the broad handles and distinctive triangular narrowing create a strong visual rhythm while preserving the practical simplicity that has helped Maya remain relevant for more than six decades.
What is the difference between Maya and Maya 2000?
Both collections were designed by Tias Eckhoff and share the same triangular design DNA, but their proportions are noticeably different. The original Maya dinner knife measures 20.0 cm, the fork 17.7 cm and the spoon 18.0 cm. Maya 2000 extends these to 22.0 cm, 20.2 cm and 20.5 cm respectively. Maya therefore feels shorter, broader and more compact, while Maya 2000 has a longer, slimmer and more streamlined expression.
Why is the triangular handle more than just Maya’s visual signature?
The broad handle narrows towards the functional end in a distinctive triangular transition. This gives Maya its immediately recognisable silhouette, but it also contributes to the generous grip and comfortable feeling in the hand. One geometric decision shapes both the appearance and the ergonomics of the collection.
How does an everyday fork become a museum-worthy design object?
Maya became significant far beyond the dining table. The series has received major design recognition, is included in Phaidon Design Classics and has been exhibited at institutions including MoMA in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Its importance lies in transforming an ordinary everyday tool through proportion, usability and a remarkably clear design idea.
Why does the shorter original Maya still feel so distinctive today?
Its compact proportions give it a physical character that is quite different from many contemporary elongated designs. The broad handles, rounded edges and relatively short lengths make Maya feel substantial and immediate in the hand, while the absence of decoration allows the geometry itself to remain the defining feature.