Gorgeous limited edition’Birds by Toikka’-series from iittala glassworks in Finland. This is design and crafting of the world famous Finnish artist. LIKE NEW condition – no scratches, no marring, no surface distortions. The artwork has a high-gloss finish throughout. It is black (body), white (head), and the beak has a brush stroke-like (linear textured) finish in multi-colors (tan, brown, black) to create a hue which serves to contrast the beak with the head. Walking past the piece causes the eye to catch movement from the beak in the form of reflections. Toikka was a master with glassworks. The piece is featured in a book about the author. Finland Book Oiva Toikka “BIRDS BY TOIKKA – TOIKAN LINNUT”. There is also another great book on this glass master called. Oiva Toikka: glass and design by Jack Dawson (available on Amazon). Oiva Kalervo Toikka (29 May 1931 – 22 April 2019) was a Finnish. Best known for his designs for Iittala. Oiva Toikka was renowned for his designs for glassware for the Finnish design company. Originally trained in ceramics at the University of Art and Design Helsinki. He took up glass design later in life. Some of his best known works are the Kastehelmi and Flora tableware from the 1960s and the Pioni and Krouvi collections from the 1970s. Along with his glassware designs, Toikka is especially well known for his designs for the Iittala “Birds by Toikka” series. From 1972 until his death in 2019, Toikka created over 400 mouth-blown glass birds. This item for sale is one of those special hand-made, mouth-blown pieces and it was signed by the Master! (see picture) Although Toikka originally worked at the Nuutajärvi glassworks in Urjala. His designs are currently produced at the Iittala glass factory in Hämeenlinna. And at mass production levels since his death in 2019. Given his masterful artwork, it’s no surprise that he also occasionally contributed textile designs to the Marimekko. Toikka’s awards include the. In 1970, Finnish State Award for Crafts and Design in 1975. In 1980, Kaj Franck Design Prize in 1992, Finland Prize in 2000 and. This glass artwork is s. Igned at the bottom (under base). It also has an iittala label affixed to the bottom inside base. Body Width 4 inches. Base Width 2.75 inches. Height 7.25 inches. Body-to-Tail 6.25 inches.