Oiva Toikka (Finnish, 1931-2019), Art Glass Bird

Contemporary, for Iittala, ruby red with opalescent head and spots, signed.

4 1/2 x 8 x 3 3/8 in.

Toikka launched his iconic glass bird collection in 1972 as a playful, colorful rebellion against the strict, clean-lined functionalism dominating Nordic design at the time. He famously noted, "I trust in accidents and misunderstandings," giving master glassblowers freedom to experiment with colors, shapes, and textures. The birds came to life through a close, hands-on partnership between Toikka and skilled glassblowers at the glassworks, using a fusion of traditional mouth-blowing and hand-shaping techniques. By the 1980s, gifting an Iittala glass bird became a cherished Finnish tradition to honor major life and workplace anniversaries. Formalized as Birds by Toikka in 1996, the flock expanded to over 600 distinct species, annual editions, and collector pieces produced through Iittala.

A few scattered small scratches, expected light scuffing to underside; good estate condition.

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