Sand, soda, lime and fire. In the heart of the hot shop, in a fiery kiln, elements meld to create the red-hot glass mass. A skilled hand grabs a pipe, lifts a gather of glass out of the oven, and starts working it: calmly, phase by phase. Twirl, lift, blow - a small miracle takes place: the unique idea of an artist appears in the mass. At the iittala glass factory in Nuuttajarvi, a millennia-old tradition of glassmaking is strongly alive. This is the birthplace of iittala's jewels - the glass birds.
Each bird is mouth-blown, and three to five craftsmen work on each bird as it is being produced resulting in each bird being one of a kind. The birds are constructed entirely of glass; their vivid colors come from the glass, not from paint. Oiva Toikka explores the opportunities offered by glass, exploiting the renowned iittala skill with color, and the transparency and opacity of glass. There is great virtuosity in the way filigree and filigree tape have been used to depict the bird's plumage. In his birds, Oiva Toikka uses glass like a painter uses his palette.
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iittala Guarantee
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| Toikka Little Tern Bird in Red | 3" H x 4.25" W | Unavailable |
Everyday design against throwawayism. The proof of good design is to stand the test of everyday use. iittala products are expected to withstand daily wear and tear as well as survive changes in tastes and trends, to remain relevant and cherished.
The oldest iittala products date back to the 1930's, long before Scandinavian design came to the attention of the world. With the thinking of legendary designers Kaj Franck (1911-1989) and Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) at the heart of the brand, iittala continues to be a major driving force of design.
Established in 1881, iittala has a long tradition of glass craftsmanship. Mouth-blown, non-leaded crystal in combination with vibrant colors has long been a staple of the brand as can be seen in the Aalto vase and the Toikka collectible birds. In addition to the art glass, iittala has proven successful with their supremely combinable lines of dinnerware.
iittala objects hold a deeper meaning, beyond the shape and surface function. Some may seem ingenious while others are kind and rewarding. iittala believes that creating the perfect glass starts with the hand that will hold it and with questions about what the hand would prefer to hold. All products are compatible with one another to cater for every occasion as well as personal taste. Many of iittala's earliest designs are still in demand and in production. Objects with a clear thought, created in order to achieve long lasting, everyday use and inspiration. For you, your children, and their children's children.
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