Skip to main content

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)

to
3
3
1
2
1
1
2
1
3
1
1
3
3
3
Height
to
Width
to
3
3
3
15
1,521
691
534
503
Creator: Birger Kaipiainen
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 Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia of Finland

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 ...

Category

1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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...

Category

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

Materials

Porcelain, Stoneware

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...

Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Related Items
Ceramic plate by Olle Alberius from the 'Kurbits' Series for Rörstrand, Sweden.
Ceramic plate by Olle Alberius from the 'Kurbits' Series for Rörstrand, Sweden.

Ceramic plate by Olle Alberius from the 'Kurbits' Series for Rörstrand, Sweden.

By Olle Alberius, Rörstrand

Located in Skarpnäck, SE

A very nice little vintage ceramic plate, made by the very well-known designer Olle Alberius, known as "Kurbits" from Rörstrand, Sweden. Alberius ceramic always has a special feeling, the shapes are simple, but the glazing is just stunning, the pattern is slightly abstract, yet knowing that Alberius has used a traditional style of folklore decoration known as Kurbits, one can see where he got his inspiration from. All off his objects are individual since they are hand painted. The price includes free shipping. The color is just stunning a dark blue color has been used against a pale gray background and there are also some dark brown and purple details as well as black details. It is around 20cm (7.87") in diameter and 2,5cm (0.98") high. It is in a very good condition. Between the years 1957 - 1965, Olle Alberius worked in Strömstad as a designer at SYCO keramik, where he created a large number of dishes, figurines, vases and bowls. He later works at Rörstrand, and between 1963 and 1965 he was employed at both SYCO keramik and Rörstrand. Alberius was attached to Rörstrand's Porcelain Factory in 1963–1971, where he worked partly with handicrafts and partly with tableware in flint and feldspar porcelain...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

1950s Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ARO Bowl
1950s Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ARO Bowl

1950s Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ARO Bowl

$790

H 3 in W 6.12 in D 4.75 in

1950s Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ARO Bowl

By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A ceramic bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand circa 1950s. Gorgeous glaze and great movement with the bowl, this could work in a variety of interiors. Other notable ceramic...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Aluminum Wall Clock from the 1970s
Aluminum Wall Clock from the 1970s

Aluminum Wall Clock from the 1970s

$699

H 18.51 in W 13 in D 1.19 in

Aluminum Wall Clock from the 1970s

Located in Vienna, AT

Aluminum frame with battery movement. Used but still in a good condition, made in Germany in the 1970s.

Category

1970s German Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Art pottery Vide-Poche or plate by Inger Persson for Rörstrand, Sweden
Art pottery Vide-Poche or plate by Inger Persson for Rörstrand, Sweden

Art pottery Vide-Poche or plate by Inger Persson for Rörstrand, Sweden

By Rörstrand, Inger Persson

Located in Skarpnäck, SE

A signed rare abstract Scandinavian Mid- century modern art ceramic plate made by Inger Persson in the 1960s for Rörstrand, Sweden. This is a studio production and has an unusual pat...

Category

1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Jensen Decorative Dish, Stainless Steel, Modern Design, 2013
Jensen Decorative Dish, Stainless Steel, Modern Design, 2013

Jensen Decorative Dish, Stainless Steel, Modern Design, 2013

By Georg Jensen, Constantin Wortmann

Located in London, GB

Georg Jensen Cobra Stainless Steel Centrepiece Bowl by Constantin Wortmann, Denmark Georg Jensen Cobra Stainless Steel Centrepiece Bowl by Constantin Wortmann, Denmark. A sculptural...

Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Willy Rizzo Lumica Clock Bicolor 1970s
Willy Rizzo Lumica Clock Bicolor 1970s

Willy Rizzo Lumica Clock Bicolor 1970s

$1,117

H 17.72 in W 11.03 in D 4.73 in

Willy Rizzo Lumica Clock Bicolor 1970s

By Willy Rizzo, BD Lumica

Located in Cork, IE

This is a rare find! We are delighted to bring this glamourous 1970's cubic mantle clock designed by Willy Rizzo and produced by Lumica to the market. In overall good condition wit...

Category

1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Junghaus Wall Clock 1970s "ELECTORA"
Junghaus Wall Clock 1970s "ELECTORA"

Junghaus Wall Clock 1970s "ELECTORA"

$753

H 11.03 in W 9.45 in D 2.37 in

Junghaus Wall Clock 1970s "ELECTORA"

By Junghans Uhren GmbH

Located in Antwerp, BE

Original Vintage Wall mounted clock designed in the seventies by the Manufacture Junghaus, Germany, model Electora. The clock is in original...

Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

English Flow Blue Ceramic Decorative Trinket Dish by Enoch Wedgwood - England
English Flow Blue Ceramic Decorative Trinket Dish by Enoch Wedgwood - England

English Flow Blue Ceramic Decorative Trinket Dish by Enoch Wedgwood - England

By Enoch Wedgwood

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

An early flow blue ceramic trinket dish or catchall by Enoch Wedgwood (Tunstall). This dish is created from a sturdy creamy white ceramic. It is deco...

Category

Early 20th Century English American Classical Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Rare Midcentury Table or Desk Clock, 1970s
Rare Midcentury Table or Desk Clock, 1970s

Rare Midcentury Table or Desk Clock, 1970s

$222

H 4.73 in W 7.88 in D 1.58 in

Rare Midcentury Table or Desk Clock, 1970s

By Memphis Milano

Located in Praha, CZ

- rare type - functional

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand Stoneware Bowl
Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand Stoneware Bowl

Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand Stoneware Bowl

By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A charming bowl designed by Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand. Bowl features an emerald green body with a yellowish/gold rim. A very ...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Vintage German Ceramic Wall Clock from Junghans, 1970s
Vintage German Ceramic Wall Clock from Junghans, 1970s

Vintage German Ceramic Wall Clock from Junghans, 1970s

By Junghans Uhren GmbH

Located in Hamburg, DE

Vintage German Ceramic Wall Clock from Junghans, 1970s

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Black and White Flip Clock Large Station, Factory Clock, 1970s, France
Black and White Flip Clock Large Station, Factory Clock, 1970s, France

Black and White Flip Clock Large Station, Factory Clock, 1970s, France

By Bodet

Located in Antwerp, BE

Timeless Bodet black and white flip-flap station clock designed by the company that has been equipping French and Belgium stations for their big clocks for several decades. They inform travelers of the time that is running! This pretty specimen from the 1970s and 80s will ensure your punctuality while offering a beautiful Industrial and modern look to your interior decor. The flip-flap clock...

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic, Lucite

Previously Available Items
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...

Category

1980s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

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 Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia

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...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Large Birger Kaipiainen Ceramic Wall Piece for Arabia, Mint Condition
Large Birger Kaipiainen Ceramic Wall Piece for Arabia, Mint Condition

Large Birger Kaipiainen Ceramic Wall Piece for Arabia, Mint Condition

By Birger Kaipiainen

Located in Kansas City, MO

Very large Birger Kaipiainen ceramic wall sculpture. Condition is virtually perfect. Stunning Mid-Century Modern design.

Category

1960s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Big Decorative Ceramic Plate 'Viola 1967" -Arabia Finland- by Birger Kaipiainen
Big Decorative Ceramic Plate 'Viola 1967" -Arabia Finland- by Birger Kaipiainen

Big Decorative Ceramic Plate 'Viola 1967" -Arabia Finland- by Birger Kaipiainen

By Birger Kaipiainen

Located in Turku, Finland

Decorative ceramic plate marked 'Viola 1967, Arabia Finland, Kaipiainen Invenit', numbered 917/3000. Design by Birger Kaipiainen (Finland, 1915-1988). Viola (a flower, violet in Latin) features a beautiful black and blue glazing on a viola-shaped wall plate. “Sea of Violets” was the artwork by Kaipiainen for Expo 67...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Dish by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1970’s
Dish by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1970’s

Dish by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1970’s

By Birger Kaipiainen

Located in Stockholm, SE

Stoneware. Unique. Measures: D: 25.5 cm/ 10" H: 4 cm/ 1 1/2".

Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Sculpture Designed by Birger Kaipianen for Arabia, Finland, 1970’s
Sculpture Designed by Birger Kaipianen for Arabia, Finland, 1970’s

Sculpture Designed by Birger Kaipianen for Arabia, Finland, 1970’s

By Birger Kaipiainen

Located in Stockholm, SE

Stoneware. Signed. Measures: H: 21 cm/ 8 1/4" D: 15 cm/ 6".

Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Monumental Dish Designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960s
Monumental Dish Designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960s

Monumental Dish Designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960s

By Birger Kaipiainen

Located in Stockholm, SE

Monumental dish designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland. 1960s. Stoneware. Measurements: L: 70.5 cm/ 2' 4'' H: 49.5 cm/ 19 1/2''

Category

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

Materials

Stoneware

Wall Sculpture Designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960s
Wall Sculpture Designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960s

Wall Sculpture Designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960s

By Birger Kaipiainen

Located in Stockholm, SE

Unique. Provenance: Kurt Ekholm (1907-1975), Art Director at Arabia from 1932 to 1948 Literature: Kaipiainen, Maria Berg, similar models p. 48-49.

Category

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

Materials

Stoneware

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.