Oiva Toikka

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Oiva Toikka (1931–2019) holds a celebrated place in the world of Finnish design and glass art, particularly for collectors of mid-20th-century Scandinavian pieces. Known for his vibrant, playful approach to glasswork, Toikka brought a new level of creativity and innovation to the craft. His most iconic creations are the Birds by Toikka series, which have become highly collectible and are sought after by connoisseurs worldwide.

Oiva Toikka Overview

 

 

Born in Karelia, Finland, Toikka studied ceramics at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki, yet it was glass that ultimately captured his imagination. Joining the prestigious glass company Nuutajärvi in the 1960s, he began to develop a unique approach to glass art that broke away from the more minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic of the time. His pieces, often featuring bold colors and organic forms, stood in stark contrast to the cool, restrained designs of his contemporaries.

Signature Style and Collectability

Toikka’s work is characterised by his use of vibrant, bold colors and whimsical shapes, most famously seen in his Birds collection, which debuted in 1972. These birds, each handmade and unique, have become synonymous with Finnish glass art. For collectors, the rarity and individuality of each bird make them particularly prized. Toikka's pieces are not just decorative but imbued with a sense of joy and playfulness, making them appealing to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the world of Scandinavian design.

In addition to his glass birds, collectors also seek out his earlier glassware designs, such as Kastehelmi (Dewdrop) and Flora, which exhibit his skill in texture and light play. Toikka's prolific career spanned decades, and his glass pieces are a fixture in auction houses and galleries specializing in 20th-century Scandinavian design.

Market Value

The value of Toikka’s pieces, particularly his Birds by Toikka, has been steadily rising in recent years, with early or limited-edition birds fetching substantial sums. Collectors of Scandinavian glass should be attentive to pieces with strong provenance or those that represent early or experimental periods in Toikka’s career. His work, filled with a sense of vitality, continues to be a focal point in the world of modern glass collecting.

Our specialist Modern Art & Design auctions are held four times a year and cover a wide selection of furniture, studio pottery, ceramics, glass, print & multiples, paintings and more.  For a free, confidential auction valuation of your collection, to enquire about any of our lots or to enter your own collection into one of our specialist sales, get in touch: james.spiridion@wilson55.com or fill in our online valuation form below. 

 
 


Meet the Expert


James Spiridion

Auctioneer and valuer specialising in Modern Design. James has recently returned to the North West after spending the last few years as a valuer in Scotland, during that time James also featured on Paul Martin's Auction Showdown for Channel 5 as a 'Rival Auctioneer'.

Email: james.spiridion@wilson55.com  


 

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