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)
Unique Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Plate in Yellow Blue, & Beeds, Arabia 1970s
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is a beautiful unique ceramic plate decorated with multiple beadings and it is a good example of the artists skill to use colours and fine iridescent glaze dots and details on t...
Ceramic, Beads
Birger Kaipiainen "Duetto" Decorative Dish in Black & Gold Beads, Arabia 1980s
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is a beautiful ceramic plate decorated with multiple black and gold beadings and it is a good example of the artists skill to use colours and fine iridescent glaze dots and deta...
Ceramic, Beads
Large Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Rörstrand in Limited Edition 294/500
By Birger Kaipiainen, Rörstrand
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...
Porcelain, Stoneware
$4,324Sale Price|25% Off
Birger Kaipiainen, Unique Piece, Wall Plate, Arabia, 1940s
By Arabia, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product Description: The Birger Kaipianen wall plate on offer is a unique and rare piece made in his early period. Birger Kaipiainen was designer who worked on the design "Palatissi...
Earthenware, Ceramic
$395Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.4 in Dm 13.4 in
Takat, Textile Wall Piece, Unique Piece, Made of Wool and Naturals Dyes
Located in Marseille, FR
- Handspun and handwoven wool, henna, walnut barks dye, oil paint - 2019 - Unique piece - Framing by Laetitia Verchere Dimensions: 13.4 x 11.4 in // 34 x 29 cm.
Wool
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...
Ceramic
$1,400
H 65.36 in W 35.83 in D 1.19 in
Japanese Antique Wooden Lattice Panel 1900s-1940s / Wall Art Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese panel featuring a lattice design. The delicate vertical slats are arranged in an orderly rhythm, presenting a quiet yet tense beauty. It is believed to have o...
Cedar
$235Sale Price|33% Off
H 1.18 in Dm 7.87 in
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...
Ceramic
$800
H 13.78 in W 10.24 in D 9.06 in
Japanese Vintage Wall Wood Flower Vase 1900s-1940s / Wabisabi / natural wood
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an antique Japanese natural wood vase, believed to date from the early 20th century. Carved from a single piece of natural wood, this piece has an organic and sculptural for...
Wood
$1,765
H 1.19 in W 9.85 in D 9.06 in
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 ...
Ceramic
$36Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 18 in W 8 in D 2 in
African Pair Basrelief Wall Sculptures, Wood, 1940s American Craftsman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage handcarved wood wall sculptures- pair of African basteliefs.
Wood
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 ...
Stoneware
$16,200
H 53.5 in W 26.75 in D 2.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirror by Paolo Buffa, Mahogany, Italy, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian wall mirror with its original mirror glass, enhanced by brass nailheads, designed by Paolo Buffa in good condition. The backside of ...
Metal, Brass
1980s Indian Hand Sewn Patchwork Tapestry
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s Indian hand sewn patchwork tapestry.
Fabric
$2,165Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.43 in Dm 18.31 in
Large Ceramic Wall Bowl Platter, Scandinavian Modern, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Very large, stunning Nordic decorative hanging wall plate / centerpiece / bowl in muted earth tones. Peanut brown matte glaze with navy ...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay
Large French Majolica Fish Platter Fives Lille Circa 1900
By Fives-Lille
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Majolica Fish Platter Fives Lille Circa 1900. 15 by 6.3 inches.
Ceramic
Sold
H 9.06 in W 9.85 in D 1.38 in
Birger Kaipiainen Fiori & Rose Numbered Decorative Dishes, Arabia 1980s
By Arabia, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of decorative ceramic plates by the master of Finnish mid-century design, Birger Kaipiainen. Each plate showcases the artist's iconic and lavish style, featuring a rich floral...
Ceramic, Beads
Sold
H 23.63 in W 2.56 in D 1.97 in
Ceramic Figure Wall sculpture 'Untitled' by Birger Kaipiainen, Finland, 1950s
By Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wall sculpture 'Untitled' by Birger Kaipiainen, Finland, 1950s Signed.
Ceramic
Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Ceramic Dish, Arabia
By Arabia, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Helsinki, FI
Beautiful ceramic plate decorated with multiple beadings. Back of the plate is signed "Birger Kaipiainen" and the plate is marked by the manufacturer Arabia 1980. This model called ...
Ceramic, Beads
Sold
H 24.5 in W 23.5 in D 6.25 in
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.
Ceramic
Sold
H 18.12 in W 16.93 in D 13.78 in
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...
Ceramic
Sold
H 6.81 in W 18.58 in D 1.57 in
Birger Kaipiainen Decorated Ceramic Hanging Platter for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Birger Kaipiainen, Rörstrand
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Iconic ceramic hanging wall platter by Finnish ceramic artist Birger Kaipiainen for Swedish Rörstrand. White background with multicolored glazed decor depicting three couples sitting by tables with large fruits ready to eat. Blue, green, yellow, burgundy, purple, orange and black colors with original metal hanger on the back. Signed Kaipiainen and R for Rörstrand. A collector's item in excellent vintage condition. Birger Johannes Kaipiainen was a leading figure within 20th century Nordic ceramics...
Ceramic
Unique Ceramic Wall Hanging Plate
By Birger Kaipiainen
Located in New York, NY
Birger Kaipiainen (1915-1988). Unique ceramic wall hanging, Arabia Studios, Finland, circa 1968. Artist signed KAIPIAINEN with Arabia factory ...
Ceramic