The story of Kastehelmi

A Design Born from Light

Some designs begin with an answer. Kastehelmi began with a question: how to make glass catch light in a new way. Inspired by dewdrops glistening under the morning sun, Kastehelmi takes its name from the Finnish word for “dewdrop.” Rings of delicate glass droplets define each piece, creating texture, depth and a distinctive play of light that feels both decorative and functional.

Originally designed in 1964 and relaunched in 2010, Kastehelmi has become one of Iittala’s most recognisable glass collections. Its appeal lies in the balance between clarity and detail — simple forms brought to life through a surface that responds to light, movement and everyday use.

From Technical Solution to Design Signature

Kastehelmi’s defining feature was born out of practical thinking. During the pressed-glass production process, joint marks were often left behind — an unavoidable technical detail. Rather than hide them, the solution was to transform them into something expressive. Small glass droplets were added to the surface, radiating outward in precise rings.

What started as a technical fix became a design signature. The droplets enhance the optical qualities of Iittala’s glass, refracting light and giving each piece its unmistakable character. Made at the Iittala Glass Factory in Finland, Kastehelmi demonstrates how thoughtful design can elevate function into beauty — without losing its everyday purpose.

Oiva Toikka: Imagination Made Material

Designed by Oiva Toikka, Kastehelmi reflects the designer’s playful and experimental approach to form. Known for his boundless imagination and curiosity, Toikka saw glass as a living material — something to be shaped, tested and enjoyed rather than controlled too tightly.

While Toikka is often celebrated for his expressive, colourful works, Kastehelmi reveals another side of his thinking: precise, methodical and deeply attuned to material behaviour. The result is a collection that feels joyful yet restrained, decorative yet timeless. For over fifty years, Kastehelmi has remained a beloved Iittala classic — proof that even the smallest details can leave a lasting impression.

Oiva Toikka

Oiva Toikka (1931-2019) is one of the great personas of Finnish glass design. His imaginative, rich and bold glass art is a departure from mainstream Nordic design. Toikka’s individual style is also evident in the utility objects he creates as they often deviate from the traditional clean-lined puritanism of Finnish design aesthetics. In addition to glass, his artistic activities cover staging, fashion design and plastic interior design elements.

Toikka has gained a solid international reputation throughout his prolific career, which dates back to the 1950s, having worked with well-known designers and artists both in Finland and abroad. He has won several prestigious awards including the Kaj Franck Design Prize and the Prince Eugen Medal. In 1993, Toikka was given the honorary title of Professor of the Arts by the state of Finland. Birds by Toikka series combines the artist’s limitless imagination with his expertise in the characteristics of glass. The unique and colorful birds, which are all handmade, have become the passion of collector’s worldwide.