Toikka

Toikka is a Finnish surname that is most closely associated with the designer Oiva Toikka (1931–2019). He was a Finnish glass designer whose work helped define postwar Finnish glass art and contributed to the international reputation of Nordic design.

Toikka is best known for the Bird series created for Iittala. These are hand-blown glass sculptures that depict avian forms in a wide range of colors and textures. The series began in the 1960s and became a hallmark of Finnish design, celebrated for its whimsical yet elegant lines and the craftsmanship involved in each piece. The Birds bridged sculpture and decorative art, appealing to both everyday use and museum contexts.

Beyond the Bird designs, Toikka contributed additional glass objects and collaborated with Iittala on various collections. His work is characterized by playful form, bold color, and a respect for traditional glassmaking techniques, while also pushing toward artistic experimentation within a commercial product line.

Legacy and reception: Toikka’s Bird designs remain highly sought after by collectors and are represented in museum collections and design galleries around the world. The name Toikka continues to be used to refer to this body of work, reflecting a legacy of high craftsmanship, inventive form, and the enduring appeal of Finnish glassmaking.