The new ‘True to its origins’ Moomin bowl by Arabia was released in Autumn of 2017. This bowl is part of a series of porcelain products that reflect Tove Jansson's own journey through life. She wrote her last Moomin book late in November, shortly after her mother died. During this time, she withdrew from public life to deal with her grief, whilst experiencing difficult feelings of loss and sorrow. True to its origins is a reflection of this period in Tove Jansson's life.
The pattern is based on two stories: Late in November and the Papa and the sea. Both of these stories share a mutual, melancholy tone. The book, Late November does not feature the Moomintroll at all- the only people described in the story are the other inhabitants of Moomindale who missed Moomintroll and wanted him to come back. All characters had different reasons to visit the Moomin House and they were all equally disappointed when the family could not be found anywhere. The characters Fillyjonk, Hemulen, Mymble and Snufkin remained in the empty house and attempted to live in the same way as their beloved Moomin family had done. In their absence, they learned a lot about themselves.
In the book, Papa and the Sea, the Moomin family decided to move to a lighthouse. During the season of autumn, the ocean was unpredictable and wild and all characters experienced the new environment in their own personal way. The Moomintroll preferred to sit alone, the Moomin mother missed her home and the Moomin Papa tried to understand the powers of nature. The only thing that was similar was Little My, as she understood the mystery and the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the island. The pattern on the mug reflects Tove Jansson's feelings at this time and the illustrations share these thoughts and feelings around the world.