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Birds by Toikka Butler, sand
Description
Butler, one of the most stunning pieces in Iittala’s Birds by Toikka collection, is the epitome of the subtle humor 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 colors.
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.
- Width: 6.3 in (16 cm)
- Height: 10.24 in (26 cm)
- Material Mouth-blown glass
- Product ID: II1050264
Oiva Toikka (1931–2019) was a Finnish designer and glass artist whose imaginative style brought boldness, abundance and playfulness to Nordic design. He is best known for the Birds by Toikka series and the Kastehelmi glassware he designed for Iittala.
Over the course of his career, Toikka also worked with stage art as well as ceramics and other materials, and his work has earned wide international acclaim.
Oiva Toikka brought colorful joy to Finnish glass design
Oiva Toikka is one of the great names of Finnish design. Having studied ceramics, Toikka began his career in the art department of Arabia, but it was above all as a glass artist that he rose to international fame. His expression was distinctive: where Scandinavian design is often known for a pared-back approach, Toikka’s work radiates abundance, humor and surprise.
Toikka’s beloved glass birds
Among Oiva Toikka’s best-known collections is the Birds by Toikka series made by Iittala, whose first bird, Flycatcher, was born in 1972 at the Nuutajärvi glassworks. Over the decades, the series grew into a vast family of birds, each mouth-blown piece an individual of its own.
Oiva Toikka’s glass birds are sought-after collector’s items around the world, and they have made Toikka’s name familiar to international audiences as well.
Kastehelmi and other favorites
Alongside the birds, among Toikka’s most famous works is the Kastehelmi series, inspired by dewdrops, which appeared in 1964 and later returned to production. The 1970 Tundra collection and the 1989 Fruits and Vegetables art glass series are also still in Iittala’s production.
Although glass was an especially important material for Toikka, his career also extended to ceramics, textiles, stage costumes and furniture design. His fearlessness and versatility made him an exceptionally wide-ranging designer.
Who: Oiva Toikka
- Finnish designer and glass artist (1931–2019).
- Began his career working with ceramics in the art department of Arabia.
- Best known for the Birds by Toikka glass birds and the Kastehelmi series he designed for Iittala.
- Also designed homeware and furniture, among other things, during his career.
- Awards: the Lunning Prize (1970), the Pro Finlandia Medal (1980), the Kaj Franck Design Prize (1992) and the Prince Eugen Medal (2001).
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Based on 5 reviews
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K
Kari H | Verified Customer
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Sopii erinomaisesti meille muiden Toikan lintujen joukkoon ja on yksi kokonaisuuden hienoinmista komistuksista.
2 years ago
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P
Pirjo R | Verified Customer
Finland
Oiva Toikan lasilinnut ovat intohimoni. Hovimestari on viimeisin lintuostokseni.
2 years ago
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P
Pekka P | Verified Customer
Kouvola, Finland
2 years ago
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