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Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Finnish, 1915-1988

Birger Kaipiainen was a Finnish ceramist and designer. He is one of the most successful and well-known ceramic artists in Finland.

Kaipiainen graduated from the School of Arts & Crafts (later known as the Aalto School of Arts of Helsinki). After graduation he went to work for Finnish ceramics company Arabia in 1937, and later in 1954 for their Swedish sister company Rörstrand.

Kaipiainen worked as a designer for Arabia for over fifty years. As a child he suffered from polio and was consequently unable to use a pottery wheel. It was said that his illness heightened his artistic sensitivity.

Kaipiainen was nicknamed “the king of decorators” for his nostalgic, romantic and highly decorative ceramic designs at a time when minimalism was the prevailing trend in Finnish ceramics. He is known for repeatedly using the same signature nature-inspired motifs, such as violets and curlews.

The recipient of many awards, honorary titles, and a doctorate, Kaipiainen won a Grand Prix at the Triennale di Milano in 1951 and was awarded the prestigious Pro Finlandia medal in 1963.

Find vintage Birger Kaipiainen ceramics, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by Connaisseurs Fine Art & Jewelry)

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Creator: Birger Kaipiainen
Birger Kaipiainen Ceramic Wall Plate with Pansies and Fruit Motif, Finland 1960s
Birger Kaipiainen Ceramic Wall Plate with Pansies and Fruit Motif, Finland 1960s

Birger Kaipiainen Ceramic Wall Plate with Pansies and Fruit Motif, Finland 1960s

By Arabia, Birger Kaipiainen

Located in New York, NY

A striking ceramic wall plate by Birger Kaipiainen, among the most celebrated and imaginative figures in post-war Nordic ceramics. Executed with Kaipiainen’s characteristic blend of...

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Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

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Decorative Blue Dish with Gold Beads designed by Birger Kaipianen, 1980s
Decorative Blue Dish with Gold Beads designed by Birger Kaipianen, 1980s

Decorative Blue Dish with Gold Beads designed by Birger Kaipianen, 1980s

By Arabia of Finland, Birger Kaipiainen

Located in Værløse, DK

Decorative Blue Dish with gold beads designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia in the 1984. * Oval Hand-Painted Blue Dish with pocket watches, flower and butterfly motives and gold ...

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1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

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Birger Kaipiainen Ceramic Plate with Flower and Beaded Detailing Rörstrand
Birger Kaipiainen Ceramic Plate with Flower and Beaded Detailing Rörstrand

Birger Kaipiainen Ceramic Plate with Flower and Beaded Detailing Rörstrand

By Rörstrand, Birger Kaipiainen

Located in Stockholm, SE

This beautifully glazed stoneware plate, measuring 25 x 23 cm, is a stunning example of Birger Kaipiainen’s artistry, featuring intricate bead details and a lustrous glaze. The decor...

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1980s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

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Large Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Rörstrand in Limited Edition 294/500
Large Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Rörstrand in Limited Edition 294/500

Large Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Rörstrand in Limited Edition 294/500

By Rörstrand, Birger Kaipiainen

Located in Stockholm, SE

Exceptional and beautiful large platter designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Rörstrand in limited edition, number 294/500. Decor with apples, plums and bunches of grapes. Birger Kaipiainen has been called "the master of ceramics" and "the undisputed ruler of decorative art". Highlights of iridescent glaze. The platter is in mint condition. No sign of use. Birger Kaipiainen began his career at the Arabia Art Department in 1937 and quickly found his own way to make art. The soon-to-begin Winter War and several losses in his personal life cast a dark shadow over the beginning of his artistic career, and this manifested as sadness and longing in his early works. They are dominated by ethereal, fairy-tale-like characters depicted in pastel tones, with references to early Italian Renaissance and longing for a more beautiful world. Kaipiainen graduated from the School of Arts & Crafts (later known as the Aalto School of Arts of Helsinki). After graduation he went to work for Finnish ceramics...

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1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

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Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Ceramic Table Clock, Flower and Beeds, Arabia 1970s
Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Ceramic Table Clock, Flower and Beeds, Arabia 1970s

Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Ceramic Table Clock, Flower and Beeds, Arabia 1970s

By Arabia, Birger Kaipiainen

Located in Helsinki, FI

Birger Kaipiainen had a thing for clock´s. Frequently in his decorative dishes he had clock`s that were always pointing to 12:15. Now here is the whole thing. In perfect working orde...

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Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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Birger Kaipiainen decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Birger Kaipiainen decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Birger Kaipiainen decorative objects, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative objects by Birger Kaipiainen were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in finland during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative objects by Pertti Santalahti, Raija Uosikkinen, and Tapio Wirkkala. Prices for Birger Kaipiainen decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,514 and can go as high as $23,480, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,539.