Birds by Toikka – Part 1

Oiva Toikka (1931–2019) was a Finnish designer and glass artist, especially known for his Birds by Toikka glass birds. He began his career in the 1950s but started designing birds in the mid-1970s at the Nuutajärvi glassworks.The first bird, Flycatcher from 1972, was originally created as a gift item for Iittala. Over time, the collection grew to hundreds of models – from small sparrows to large swans and imaginative creations. The richness of colors and patterns is achieved through a combination of colored glass, metal foil, and various surface treatment techniques.

The production relies on strong craftsmanship collaboration. Toikka designed the shapes of the birds and their color palettes, while the glassblower brought his ideas to life. Oiva Toikka’s birds are appreciated for adding playfulness and warmth to glass art, in contrast to traditional minimalism. The birds are still made by hand at Iittala’s glassworks.