Satulintu wooden sculpture by Kaija Aarikka

Large wooden Satulintu bullfinch sculpture designed by Kaija Aarikka for Aarikka, Finland, in 1990. Satulintu translates as “Fairytale Bird”. This example has the playful character that made Aarikka wooden figures so recognisable.

The round bird sits on a black perch above a cluster of bright red rowan berries. Its natural wood body retains the visible grain, while the glossy red breast, black beak, tail and stand create a strong graphic contrast. The exaggerated proportions give the bullfinch an almost sculptural presence.

Satulintu by Kaija Aarikka

Kaija Aarikka built much of her design language around turned wood, spheres and simple geometric components. The Satulintu birds bring those elements together particularly well, combining Finnish nature with the cheerful, highly distinctive visual language associated with Aarikka.

At 22 cm high, this is a substantial decorative figure and works particularly well as a standalone object on a shelf, sideboard or desk. The rowan berries add another recognisable reference to the Nordic landscape.

Details

Designer: Kaija Aarikka
Manufacturer: Aarikka
Series: Satulintu
Model: Bullfinch with rowan berries
Year: 1990
Country: Finland
Material: Wood
Technique: Hand made and painted
Height: 22 cm

Marked on the base: Aarikka Finland

Condition

Very good vintage condition. There are some traces of age and use consistent with a wooden object.