Birger Johannes Kaipiainen

The hero of Finnish ceramics, Birger Johannes Kaipiainen (1915-1988) loved his chosen profession. he graduated from the Central School of Arts and Crafts of Helsinki and then went to work for Finnish ceramics company Arabia for over fifty years. In 1977 he gained the honorary title of Professor. He was affectionately known as ‘the prince of ceramics’ and ‘the king of decorators’.

His work is quite collectable and known by the verdant and richly coloured stylised but natural forms. The fruits look large and juicy, barely contained on the plate! He uses thick glazes and 3d elements to make his plates and platters as delicious as what might be sitting on them.

I love the colours Kaipiainen combines, such confidence and brazen beauty.