Vtg Oiva Toikka Signed iittala Metallic Bird, Kansallis-Osake-Pankki Lim Ed 1986
Vintage, beautiful little Oiva Toikka art glass bird specially made for 1 year only (1986) for Kansallis Osake Pankki, a large bank in Finland. This bird was specially commissioned by the bank as a gift for high performing employees. It features a green-ish metallic body, with black circular feather lines along the entire body from the neck to the tail. The head and beak are clear glass. Overall the bird is very glossy. It was designed by the professor Oiva Toikka and was produced only in 1986 at the Nuutajärvi Glass factory in Finland. Note: this bird came from a German collector / gallery of Toikka birds. I’ve left the stickers on the bottom of the Bird, and you’re free to remove them. There are also 3 small stick-on “cushions” (see photos) to protect the bottom from scratches. This bird is highly RARE, it was made by the artist himself (versus a reproduction) and it’s one of Toikka’s early birds. It is hand signed (inscribed) by the artist himself with the company that commissioned the bird, “Kansallis Osake Pankki”, then “Oiva Toikka”, then “Nuutajärvi Notsjo” (the glass company where the bird was made). Length: 4.5 inches / 12 cm. Width: 2.5 inches / 6 cm. Height at head: 2.75 inches / 6.75 cm. Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. That said, there isn’t visible wear that I can see. Original factory sticker intact. I pack all my items with generous bubble wrap and double box if needed. Professor Oiva Toikka is one of the greatest figures in Finnish glass and a truly original glass artist. His inventive, rich and bold glass art differs from the mainstream of Nordic design. He has achieved great international success during his long career as an artist.