Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Table Clock, Arabia

Birger Kaipiainen (1915-1988) was the master of decorative ceramics. He was especially known for his ornamental dishes, rich, colourful and with themes from the fantasy world and fai...

Birger Kaipiainen (1915-1988) was the master of decorative ceramics at the Arabia factory in Finland. He was well known for his ornamental dishes that were rich, colourful and with themes from the fantasy world and fairytales, which actually fought against the idealism of the minimalistic movements in 1950s. Kaipiainen introduced ceramic beads to his art in the 60s' and the surface of the object became more important for Kaipianen´s art. This beautiful unique ceramic plate...

Birger Kaipiainen (1915-1988) was the master of decorative ceramics. He was especially known for his ornamental dishes, rich, colourful and with themes from the fantasy world and fai...

Birger Kaipiainen (1915-1988) was the master of decorative ceramics. He was well known for his rich and colourful ornamental dishes, with themes from the fantasy world and fairytales...

Birger Kaipiainen saw the world through a surreal and symbolic filter that made it more joyful, flowerful, and certainly more colourful. However, during times of grief, as when he lost his wife Maggi in 1966, he turned to blues, blacks and violets. Another such period was when Kaipiainen lost his dear friend, the Marimekko's founder and designer, Armi Ratia in 1979. Birger and Armi used to spend a lot of time at her legendary Bökars Mansion that had a wonderful veranda adorned with columns and chandeliers. Armi's loss was reflected in a few of Kaipiainen's works from that period. In those works (see last pics of dishes from the book Kaipiainen by Maria Berg) his interpretation of the duality of life and death was obvious. Also the symbolism bridging the two was present (reflection, bridges, boats, flowing waters). We can also see pansy flowers that he frequently used after the loss of his wife. In this unique dish, Kaipiainen used a lot of the above colours and elements, and just as Armi was the soul of their legendary parties, he introduced the golden harp...

A pair of limited edition table lamps designed by Birger Kaipiainen for the Stockmann 120 year anniversary in 1982. Manufactured by Arabia OY in Finland. A very nice pair in impeccab...

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''

Tower clock face with hand painted Numerals.

French Decorative Porcelain Clock Garniture French mantel clock housed in an arch top porcelain case, beautifully decorated to all sides with flower applied relief resting on a da...

French decorative porcelain mantel clock housed in a square case surmounted by an ornate carrying handle. Beautifully decorated to all sides with flower applied relief. Ornate brass...

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...

Large decorative French style steel wall clock. Great focal point for any room. This item is merely decorative and does not tell time but could be wired to. Contrasting two-tone effe...