Birds by Toikka Butler, sand

Iittala

AU$868.00
10% GST is included

Iittala
Birds by Toikka Butler
AU$868.00


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  • Excellent reviews from our customers
  • 30 days return policy

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Description

Butler, one of the most stunning pieces in Iittala’s Birds by Toikka collection, is the epitome of the subtle humour often evident in Toikka’s designs. Inspired by a genuine old-fashioned butler, the dignified glass bird stands tall with his pointed, prominent beak facing forward. Butler is a true specimen of Iittala’s master glassblowers’ craftsmanship, as it requires the use of the demanding filigree technique in which thin glass rods are melted under a layer of glass to create stripes in different colours.

The first glass birds of Birds by Toikka collection were designed in 1972 by Professor Oiva Toikka, renowned for his unique contribution to Finnish art glass over the past half-century. So far over 400 species have been created, some of them more enduring in production than others. Each bird is a mouth-blown, unique individual, signed with the artist’s name. The passing of time enhances the value of these art objects – that is why Birds by Toikka are cherished and valued gifts and irresistible to collectors around the world.

Material
Mouth-blown glass
Width
16 cm
Height
26 cm
Product ID
II1050264

Oiva Toikka

Oiva Toikka (1931-2019) was a Finnish glass artist who became known worldwide for his collection of glass birds designed for Iittala. His imaginative, rich and bold glass art deviates from the streamlined aesthetic of Nordic design.

The Birds collection is Oiva Toikka’s best-known work. Iittala Birds is a unique collection, even in global terms. Every year, Professor Oiva Toikka and the skilled glassblowers assisting him breathed life into yet new species of Iittala Birds. The first birds created by Oiva Toikka and the glassblowers of the Nuutajärvi Glass Factory, the oldest in Finland, saw the light of day in 1972. The first bird was the Flycatcher, appearing in different colour variations. Over 300 species have been created, some of them more enduring in production than others. Each bird is a unique individual, signed with the artist’s name – it is the tangible product of skilled artisanship. The passing of time enhances the value of these art objects. That is why Iittala Birds are cherished and valued gifts and irresistible to collectors around the world, from Finland to the United States and from Central Europe all the way to Japan.

During his long career, Oiva Toikka created important works in glass. In 1964, he designed Kastehelmi, a range of glass tableware, for Iittala. The series was in production for over 20 years and in 2010 Iittala reintroduced a selection of the most popular pieces in the range to celebrate Toikka’s 50 years of work with the brand. Even though glass was always Toikka’s favourite material, he worked with ceramics as well – he originally studied ceramics and his career started at the art department at Arabia. Another example of his creativity is represented by the pieces designed for the Me Too collection by Magis – the same collection which also includes the sympathetic Puppy and the colourful Trioli children’s chair created by Eero Aarnio – as the rocking chair Dodo and the coat rack Paradise Tree. Oiva Toikka enjoyed an international career and received numerous awards, among them Lunning Prize, Pro Finlandia Medal, World Glass Now 85 Award, Kaj Franck Design Prize and the Prince Eugen Medal.

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Based on 5 reviews

  • P

    Finland

    5

    Oiva Toikan lasilinnut ovat intohimoni. Hovimestari on viimeisin lintuostokseni.

    230 days ago

  • K

    5

    Sopii erinomaisesti meille muiden Toikan lintujen joukkoon ja on yksi kokonaisuuden hienoinmista komistuksista.

    77 days ago

  • P

    Kouvola, Finland

    5

    304 days ago

Very good

The Product Sustainability Framework, our criteria of sustainable design, helps you find the most sustainable products in our selection. Read below which sustainability criteria this product has met.

  • Equal opportunities for all employees
  • Commitment to UN Global Compact, fair compensation for all employees
  • Corporate responsibility requirements defined and communicated for suppliers
  • Systematic work for improved inclusion and well-being in the workplace
  • Transparent supply chain
  • Suppliers' compliance to a code of conduct ensured
  • Compliance to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights ensured in the supply chain
  • Support for community involvement in the supply chain
  • Direct suppliers audited and certified
  • Fair and resource-wise water-use in production
  • No incineration or landfilling of returned items
  • No use of endangered species as materials
  • No direct environmental emissions or waste (excl. GHGs) from production
  • The sustainability of direct suppliers' production is addressed and monitored
  • Material-efficient and ecological packaging
  • Positive impact on nature’s well-being through operations that regenerate natural ecosystems
  • Production and material sourcing that respect biodiversity, animal rights, and natural ecosystems
  • No potentially harmful chemicals used in own production
  • Company's direct greenhouse gas emissions identified and commitment to reduction
  • Product's carbon impact identified and commitment to reduction
  • Guidance on energy- and eco-efficient use of the product
  • Contribution to climate initiatives beyond the brand’s direct operations
  • Low-carbon or compensated transportation
  • Carbon footprint of the product calculated and goals set to reduce it
  • 100 % renewable energy in own production and operations
  • Carbon neutral or carbon negative product
  • Sustainable and long-lasting material choices
  • No harmful or hazardous substances
  • Responsible raw material sourcing and production
  • Ecological materials: natural, biodegradable, recyclable or recycled contents
  • Materials suited for circularity: monomaterials, recyclable finishings, renewable or recycled contents etc.
  • Outstanding materials in terms of innovativeness, responsibility, sustainability and circularity: local production or sourcing, 100 % recycled content, C2C-certification etc.
  • High aesthetic quality promoting long-term use of the product
  • Technically durable product design and material choices
  • Design for enduring life-long quality
  • Design and support for product maintenance, repair and upgradability
  • Innovative circular design solutions: circular service system, resale platform, remanufacturing, collection of used products, etc.

Learn more about the Product Sustainability Framework.