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)
Birger Kaipiainen, Very Large Ceramic Plate, Red Blue with Beeds, Arabia 1970s
By Arabia, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Helsinki, FI
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...
Ceramic
Birger Kaipiainen, Very Large Ceramic Plate, Plums and Berries, Arabia 1970s
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in Helsinki, FI
Birger Kaipiainen (1915–1988) is celebrated as a master of decorative ceramics, renowned for his richly colored and ornamental works. Drawing from fantasy and fairytales, his art sto...
Metal
Unique Stoneware Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960s
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking unique stoneware platter by Birger Kaipiainen. Beautiful composition with silvery apples on a white background, as well as black currant berries and blue grapes in relief. ...
Ceramic
Unique Birger Kaipiainen Ceramic Plate in Luster Blues & Red with Beeds, Arabia
By Arabia, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Helsinki, FI
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...
Ceramic, Beads
Friedl Kjellberg Large Ceramic Vase for Arabia, Turquoise Glaze, 1950s
By Arabia, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Helsinki, FI
A striking and rare large-scale ceramic vase by Friedl Kjellberg for Arabia, dating to the late 1940s to early 1950s. This sculptural vessel showcases Kjellberg’s refined approach to...
Ceramic
Large Surreal Green Garden Birger Kaipiainen Faience Wall Relief Rörstrand 1950s
By Birger Kaipiainen, Rörstrand
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare and beautiful wall relief featuring hand-painted flowers & women, designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Rörstrand and manufactured in Sweden in the 1950s. Kaipiainen spent onl...
Faience
Large Birger Kaipiainen Faience Wall Relief, 9 Women & a Rose, Rörstrand 1950s
By Rörstrand, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare and beautiful wall relief featuring different beautifully hand-painted portraits of women, designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Rörstrand and manufactured in Sweden in the 1950s....
Faience
Birger Kaipiainen Butterfly Ceramic Platter for Arabia, Signed, Finland, 1982
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia of Finland
Located in PARIS, FR
Birger Kaipiainen ceramic "Butterfly" platter produced for the Arabia Art Department in Finland, 1982. Signed by the artist and numbered 132/300 from the limited edition series. Th...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Set of Two Stoneware Platters by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960/70s
By Arabia, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Fantastic set of two stoneware platters by Birger Kaipiainen, each beautifully composed with monumental blossoms and iridescent glazed polychrome decor. Both with perfectly matched c...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Unique Stoneware Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960/70s
By Arabia, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking, decorative and unique stoneware platter by Birger Kaipiainen. Beautifully composed with monumental blossoms rendered in deep shades of aubergine, violet and black against a...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960/70s
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Fabulous stoneware platter by Birger Kaipiainen, beautifully composed with a delicate silver-inlaid pavilion sheltering a golden harp, flanked by two stylized guitar playing angels t...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Unique Stoneware Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960/70s
By Arabia, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking, decorative and unique stoneware platter by Birger Kaipiainen. The platter is adorned with large stylized blossoms in nuanced shades of violet against a deep burgundy backgr...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Unique Birger Kaipiainen, Blue Ceramic Sculpture "Three Graces", Rörstrand 1950s
By Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Helsinki, FI
This early sculptural work by Kaipiainen stands out in interiors and would fit in many decorative surroundings. The unique turquoise toned work depicts the three Graces or Charites, ...
Ceramic
A Sizeable Birger Kaipiainen Faience Wall Relief, Standing Lady, Rörstrand 1950s
By Rörstrand, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare and beautiful wall relief featuring a beautifully hand-painted woman, designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Rörstrand and manufactured in Sweden in the 1950s. Kaipiainen spent onl...
Faience
$2,333
H 17.72 in W 17.72 in D 4.73 in
1950s by Gilbert Portanier Vallauris France Glazed Ceramic Vase
By Gilbert Portanier
Located in Brescia, IT
Glazed ceramic Excellent condition. "Portanier" signed.
Ceramic
$7,280
H 14.57 in W 3.55 in D 14.57 in
Unique Birger Kaipiainen, Blue Ceramic Sculpture "Three Graces", Rörstrand 1950s
By Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Helsinki, FI
This early sculptural work by Kaipiainen stands out in interiors and would fit in many decorative surroundings. The unique turquoise toned work depicts the three Graces or Charites, ...
Ceramic
1970s Diane Love Mikasa Blue & Brown Ceramic Vase
By Diane Love
Located in New York, NY
Handmade and hand-painted dark blue and brown glazed ceramic spherical bud vase by artist/designer Diane Love for Mikasa. Japan, circa 1970. Marked with brand stamp at underside.
Ceramic
Raija Tuumi Large Ceramic Platter for Arabia Finland
By Raija Tuumi, Arabia of Finland
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Beautiful and large stoneware charger designed, thrown, and glazed by acclaimed Finnish ceramic artist, Raija Tuumi for Arabia Finland. This piece has a rustic mottled dark brown gla...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$8,446
H 23.63 in W 3.15 in D 0.99 in
A Sizeable Birger Kaipiainen Faience Wall Relief, Standing Lady, Rörstrand 1950s
By Rörstrand, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare and beautiful wall relief featuring a beautifully hand-painted woman, designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Rörstrand and manufactured in Sweden in the 1950s. Kaipiainen spent onl...
Faience
Peter and Denise Orlando Large Ceramic Vase, 1950s
By Peter Orlando
Located in Paris, FR
Earthenware vase glazed in white with abstract and geometric decoration engraved and over-glazed in shinny black and orange. Hand-decorated piece, made in France, circa 1950-1960. Typical Mid-Century Modern abstract and geometric design, reminiscent of Joan Miro´ or Calder mobiles artworks...
Ceramic
Mid Century Large Bowl in Ceramic by Conny Walther, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful large stoneware bowl by Danish artist Conny Walther. Made in 1970s. Great colour plate in this glaze. Other mentionable ceramic artists fro...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) was a renowned Swedish ceramic artist and designer known for his significant contributions to the field of ceramic art and pottery. He was a prominent figur...
Stoneware
Large Majolica Ceramic Fish Platter by Secla, 1960
By Secla
Located in Barcelona, ES
A glazed ceramic large fish platter in brown and toffee colors manufactured by Secla ceramics factory. Portugal, 1960s. A very interesting piece du...
Majolica, Ceramic
$746Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.56 in Dm 27.56 in
Italian Midcentury Large Ornamental Plate Centerpiece from the 1970s
Located in bari, IT
Italian midcentury large ornamental plate centerpiece from the 1970s. A typical pictorial graphics of the 1970s.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Farsta, SE
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) was a renowned Swedish ceramic artist and designer known for his significant contributions to the field of ceramic art and pottery. He was a prominent figur...
Stoneware
$2,041
H 6.3 in W 10.63 in D 9.45 in
Midcentury Modern Large Ceramic Bowl Rörstrand AXK Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful largest model of the AXK bowl manufactured in the 1950s at Rörstrand, designed by Gunnar Nylund. The bowl has a wonderful glaze and it lifts the shape of the bowl to a won...
Ceramic
Sold
H 2.76 in W 16.15 in D 22.05 in
Birger Kaipiainen Large Decorative Ceramic Dish Golden Lyre & Blues, Arabia 1979
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in Helsinki, FI
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...
Ceramic, Beads
Unique Stoneware Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960s
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing, unique stoneware platter by Birger Kaipiainen. Beautiful composition on a white background, of a white flower, two silvery pears and violets. Birger Kaipiainen was Finland’...
Ceramic
Sold
H 1.78 in W 13.98 in D 12.21 in
Unique Stoneware Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960s
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing, unique stoneware platter by Birger Kaipiainen in an oval form. Beautiful composition of yellow sunflowers against a rich red background, surrounded by a pattern of round bla...
Ceramic
Sold
H 1.78 in W 11.62 in D 10.63 in
Stoneware Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960s
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Unique stoneware platter by Birger Kaipiainen in an oval form. Striking motif of red flowers encircling a large seed pod with a graphic pattern in golden tones. Round seeds in the ce...
Ceramic
Stoneware Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960s
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful, unique stoneware platter by Birger Kaipiainen in an oval form. Motif of a pale yellow poppy with black round seeds in relief, contrasting in a suggestive way against a dar...
Ceramic
Stoneware Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960s
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful, unique stoneware platter by Birger Kaipiainen in an oval form. Motif of a pale yellow poppy with black round seeds in relief, contrasting in a suggestive way against a dar...
Ceramic
Dish Designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dish designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1970s. Stoneware. Unique. Signed "KAIPIAINEN ARABIA" Dimensions: L: 42 cm / 1'...
Stoneware
Sold
H 18.12 in W 16.93 in D 0.79 in
Birger Kaipiainen, Blue and Black Ceramic Wall Plate from Expo 67
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in High Point, NC
An ornamented ceramic wall plate with an abstract motif. Handcrafted in the Finnish Arabia studios in the 1960s. This particular plate was designed ...
Ceramic
Large Birger Kaipiainen Charger For Arabia Of Finland
By Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Large glazed stoneware charger with multicolor decoration with iridescent glaze and ceramic pearls. By Finnish ceramic artist Birger Kaipiainen (1915-1988), executed at the Arabia Fa...
Stoneware
Large and Magnificent Birger Kaipiainen Charger
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia
Located in New York, NY
Large stoneware charger with multicolor floral decoration with iridescent glaze and ceramic pearls. By Finnish ceramic artist Birger Kaipiainen (1915-1988), executed at the Arabia F...
Stoneware
Birger Kaipiainen Tray
By Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Milan, IT
Rare ceramic tray by Birger Kaipiainen.
Ceramic