Toikka Whooper Swan
by Oiva Toikka from Iittala
toikka whooper swan
Design Oiva Toikka, 1972
Hand blown art glass
Made in Finland by iittala
Whooper Swan is the national bird of Toikka's native Finland. Her graceful, long-necked design honors Karelia, where the artist was born. The contrast of the snowy white glass body and dark beak enhance the elegant beauty of the bird.
Oiva Toikka created each Birds by Toikka glass bird in close cooperation with glassblowers, first at the Nuutajärvi glass factory and later at the Iittala glass factory. A real bird inspires each of these birds, but they embody Toikka's inexhaustible imagination and artistic approach to glass.
Professor Oiva Toikka is one of the greatest names in Finnish glass art. His iconic collection of Birds by Toikka first took flight back in 1972 at the Nuutajärvi glass factory with the creation of his small glass Flycatchers. Since then hundreds of new birds have joined the flock.
Toikka's birds embody Iittala's commitment to craftsmanship and imagination, deviating from the streamlined aesthetic of Scandinavian design in imaginative, rich and bold ways, earning international praise. Each design incorporates new color combinations and techniques for one-of-a-kind beauty that is collected by people of refined taste worldwide. The collection embodies a rich fusion of glassmaking traditions and would not have been possible without Toikka's hands-on-approach at the glassworks and his keen understanding of each employee's skills. Today, each glass bird is handcrafted and mouth blown at the Iittala Glass Factory.
13.25" w | 8.5" h
Hand blown art glass
Made in Finland by iittala
Whooper Swan is the national bird of Toikka's native Finland. Her graceful, long-necked design honors Karelia, where the artist was born. The contrast of the snowy white glass body and dark beak enhance the elegant beauty of the bird.
Oiva Toikka created each Birds by Toikka glass bird in close cooperation with glassblowers, first at the Nuutajärvi glass factory and later at the Iittala glass factory. A real bird inspires each of these birds, but they embody Toikka's inexhaustible imagination and artistic approach to glass.
Professor Oiva Toikka is one of the greatest names in Finnish glass art. His iconic collection of Birds by Toikka first took flight back in 1972 at the Nuutajärvi glass factory with the creation of his small glass Flycatchers. Since then hundreds of new birds have joined the flock.
Toikka's birds embody Iittala's commitment to craftsmanship and imagination, deviating from the streamlined aesthetic of Scandinavian design in imaginative, rich and bold ways, earning international praise. Each design incorporates new color combinations and techniques for one-of-a-kind beauty that is collected by people of refined taste worldwide. The collection embodies a rich fusion of glassmaking traditions and would not have been possible without Toikka's hands-on-approach at the glassworks and his keen understanding of each employee's skills. Today, each glass bird is handcrafted and mouth blown at the Iittala Glass Factory.
13.25" w | 8.5" h
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Oiva Toikka
Oiva Toikka is one of the great names in Finnish glass. His imaginative glass art deviates from the streamlined aesthetic of Nordic design. The Birds collection is Toikka’s best-known work.
Iittala celebrates generations of essential objects that enrich peoples lives, are distinctive and allow for individual expression.