The curious mind of Oiva Toikka

Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall
Shop the look

I´m not looking for perfection, I want it to be fun. –Oiva Toikka

Beloved Finnish designer Oiva Toikka was famous for his limitless imagination, playful designs and vibrant glass art. We honour the boundless creativity of the legendary artist with our new collection, The Curious Mind of Oiva Toikka.

Explore the collection

Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall

The curious mind of Oiva Toikka

See all
Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall

Creative collaboration

Our historic collaboration with Toikka began when another Finnish design legend, Kaj Franck, appointed Toikka as the in-house designer at the Iittala Glass Factory in 1963. During his nearly six decades with us, Toikka created some of our most iconic collections including the world renowned Birds by Toikka.

Birds by Toikka

See all
Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall

Curiously creative

I don’t think it’s terribly important to play it safe. That has never been my thing – avoiding risks, trying to make it perfect. There are enough perfectionists around. –Oiva Toikka

Throughout his profound career, Toikka wasn’t afraid to deviate from the streamlined functionalism that characterised Nordic design in favour of colourful, artistic creations often inspired by nature.

 

Colourful creations

See all
Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall

Creatively curious

I trust in accidents and misunderstandings. –Oiva Toikka

From his bold glass art collections like Birds by Toikka to his modular art pieces like the colourful Lollipops, Toikka’s design was fueled by a sense of daring curiosity. It was by combining that curiosity with his creativity and love of technical experimentation that Toikka created a distinct body of work that wasn’t limited by artistic boundaries.

Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall

Curious discovery

I’ve always been on the borderline of good taste. I find it an entertaining neighbourhood. –Oiva Toikka

A few years ago, we came across three previously undiscovered boxes from when Toikka worked at the Iittala Glass Factory. Amongst the many wonderful drawings, there were patterns and sketches of pieces that we’ve never seen before.

After careful consideration with the Toikka family, it was decided that the world should see these new discoveries and celebrate the happiness that Toikka expressed in his designs. With The Curious Mind of Oiva Toikka, we bring these discoveries and Toikka’s joyful spirit to a new collection of home textiles, tableware, art prints and more.

 

An ode to curiosity

See all
Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall

Curious art

All of the new items are tied together by six distinct artworks by Toikka that form the patterns on each piece. Although each work of art is different, they all share a bold, graphic style with similar lines and detailing.
Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall
Cheetah: Inspired by a trip Toikka took to Africa with various layers and curious details.
Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall
Helle: Meaning “summer heat” in Finnish, Helle’s random, colourful dots form a pattern from a distance.
Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall
Pompom: The cheerful and peculiar pattern is actually from a sketch for one of Toikka’s famous glass art pieces and retains the same detailed elements as his glass art objects.
Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall
Birdie: A true character that captures the essence of Toikka’s famous birds with its own unique features and own unique story.
Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall
Birdhouse: The detailed pattern is like a page from Toikka’s sketchbook with dozens of birds varying in shapes and sizes.
Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall
All You Need: Toikka’s illustration with its bold lines and captivating expression instantly sparks your imagination.

Discovery from the Toikka archives

See all
Colorful Oiva Toikka glass bird sculptures on a shelf against a white wall

Curious corners

I have always enjoyed myself. It's especially important for me that other people enjoy themselves as well. –Oiva Toikka

In the spirit of Toikka, we want to celebrate how you express your own personal style by inviting you to share the curious corners of your home with #iittalacuriouscorners.

Explore more on our Instagram