Oiva Toikka (Finland), glass

Oiva Toikka (1931-2019) was a Finnish glass artist and designer. He is best known for his whimsical and colorful glass birds, which have been produced by the Finnish company Iittala since the 1970s. He was born in Viipuri, Finland (now part of Russia). He studied ceramics at the University of Art and Design Helsinki, but later switched to glass. He worked at the Nuutajärvi glassworks in Urjala from 1953 to 1972, and then at Iittala from 1972 until his death in 2019.

His glass birds are known for their intricate designs and use of vibrant colours. He often used traditional Finnish folk art motifs in his work, such as flowers, birds, and animals. Toikka's birds are also known for their playful and whimsical qualities. Toikka created over 400 different glass birds during his career. His most famous designs include the Tuulilintu (Wind Bird), the Kaksi Kotkaa (Two Eagles) more... , and the Sinilintu (Bluebird). Toikka's birds are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts of mid-century modern design.

In addition to his glass birds, Toikka also designed a number of other glassware products, including tableware, vases, and sculptures. He also designed a number of glass installations for public spaces.

Toikka was a highly respected artist and designer. He received numerous awards for his work, including the Kaj Franck Design Prize (1985) and the Pro Finlandia Medal (1992).

Toikka's work is known for its beauty, whimsy, and originality. His glass birds are iconic symbols of Finnish design and culture. less...