This art plate was designed in the 1960s by Birger Kaipiainen, a legendary designer representing the Finnish company Arabia. In addition to mass-produced items, Arabia has an in-house atelier where they create one-of-a-kind artworks, and this decorative plate was also produced there.
The beautiful white luster, reminiscent of mother-of-pearl inlay, is a work that is over half a century old, but it has retained its original appearance. Kaipiainen's signature is printed as a backstamp on the back, further increasing its rarity.
Kaipiainen's designs are strongly influenced by Surrealism, and his masterpiece "Paratissi" is known for depicting imaginary flowers and fruits based on the motif of a mythical paradise. This art plate is similarly not modeled after any specific plant or animal, but is a design born from his free imagination. Created in the mid-1960s, it has a similar atmosphere to "Paratissi," released in 1969.
Kaipiainen's art plates are scarce and rarely seen even on the vintage market. Because they are studio works, their greatest appeal lies in the fact that no two pieces are exactly alike, even if they have the same design. The heyday of Scandinavian design from the 1950s to 1970s is known as the "midcentury," but in the 1980s, this artisanal manufacturing method rapidly declined due to the economic recession and cost-cutting measures. The deaths of famous designers, including Kaipiainen, coincided with a "period of decline" for Scandinavian modern design.
While the tableware reproduced by ARABIA today retains the original forms and patterns, they are mass-produced in Southeast Asia and differ in color and depth of glaze from the vintage pieces. While subtle differences and support marks remain from the original handcrafted pieces, they possess exceptional color and character. Such Finnish art pieces are difficult to reproduce in the 21st century and can be considered a precious heritage of the past. They are likely to become valuable assets in the future. Please take advantage of this opportunity to consider them.
■Details Manufacturer: ARABIA Designer: Birger Kaipiainen Era: 1960s Country of origin: Finland Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Complete)
This piece is in perfect condition with no cracks, chips, or crazing. It retains its original luster and beautiful kiln appearance, making it mint condition. It comes with the original instructions and box.
■Size: Width 21.5cm, Length 19.5cm, Height 2.5cm
Birger Kaipiainen
Birger Kaipiainen (1915-1988)
Born in Pori, southwestern Finland, on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. Finland's leading designer, known as the "King of Decorators". Although he moved to the capital, Helsinki, when he was a child, Kaipiainen spends every summer with a homestay in the Russian town of Sortavala. The sense of nature and artistry cultivated there would influence him throughout his life. In his prime, Kaipiainen suffered from polio, which forced him to walk with a cane for the rest of his life. Due to a disability in one hand, he was unable to turn the potter's wheel and make pottery by himself, but this experience is said to have inspired him to hone his unique artistic sense.
Kaipiainen graduated from Aalto University's Faculty of Art, Finland's top art university, and began working at ARABIA in 1937 , before also transferring to Sweden's Rorstrand for four years from 1954 . During the heyday of simple and unadorned modern Scandinavian art, Kaipiainen's designs were rich in ornamentation and characterized by detailed depictions drawn in every corner. He has created a unique worldview that stands out from the mainstream of the time, designing Paratisch in 1969 , Apia in 1970 , and Sunnuntai in 1971 . These are still Arabia's reprints and are their signature products.
