Aarikka Finland | Designer Kaija Aarikka | Rare Early Wooden Brooch

Overview

Rare vintage brooch by Aarikka Finland, circa 1960s. The form is made by the founder of the brand, deisgner Kaija Aarikka. 

A warm, early piece of Finnish wooden jewelry with moving rows of orange wooden beads and an unusual decorated brass top bar.

The brooch has a lively hanging structure: three vertical strands of round wooden beads are linked with small brass loops, so the piece has gentle movement when worn. The colour sits between burnt orange, coral and soft red, with natural wood grain visible through the surface.

Design

The most distinctive detail is the fixed brass upper part. It is decorated with a pressed linear pattern, adding a small architectural accent above the loose bead strands. This type of ornate brass element is uncommon for Aarikka and is usually associated with very early pieces.

The beads are rounded, tactile and slightly varied in tone. Their rhythm gives the brooch a playful but still elegant look, somewhere between folk jewelry, early Finnish modern design and handmade studio work.

Maker and Period

Maker: Aarikka, Finland

Designer: Kaija Aarikka

Period: 1960s

Material: wood and brass toned metal

Technique: handmade and hand assembled

Measurements

Length: 6.1 cm

Condition

Very good vintage condition.

Light, natural signs of age may be present, but the brooch is clean, complete and ready to wear. 

For Wearing and Collecting

A strong early Aarikka piece for collectors of Finnish wooden jewelry. The decorated brass top makes it more unusual than many later Aarikka brooches, while the orange bead chains give it enough presence to work well on a jacket, dress, knitwear or scarf.