Birger Kaipiainen

By the age of 22, Birger Kaipiainen was already employed by the Finnish company Arabia. In addition to some guest appearances at Rörstrand, he was faithful to Arabia throughout his 50-year long career. He worked with the Arabia art department, where he created special items such as big barrels, murals and sculptures as well as industrial manufacturing products. One of his most famous pieces was the successful Paratiisi, designed in 1969. It was officially relaunched in 1987, merely one year before his death.

Birger Kaipiainen’s ceramics are characterised by bold, lush and multi-coloured patterns. He gained inspiration from Byzantine Church art and the Italian Renaissance, incorporating fruits, flowers and exotic birds in to his designs.

Birger Kaipiainen is considered one of Finland’s leading ceramic designers and he is often called the ‘Prince of Ceramics’ and the ‘Décor King’. He has been awarded several prestigious awards such as the Pro Finlandia medal and Prince Eugen’s medal. In 1977 he also received a professor's title.