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Showing posts with label Oiva Toikka. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oiva Toikka. Show all posts
Monday, November 24, 2014
For kids: Oiva Toikka Dodo
Many of you know how fond I am of Oiva Toikka's birds. The Dodo he designed for the Magis Me Too collection is no exception. This beautifully clever indoor/outdoor rocking chair for children combines play with functionality. With any luck, it will never be extinct.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Oiva Toikka
I started this blog September 6, 2010. Some of you have been readers since the beginning. Others have come on board later. From now through the end of the month, I'm going to be on a short blogging break. Not only am I in the middle of a big volunteer project, I'm also trying to help get the new store open, so I've decided share some of my favorite posts from the past four years. I'll throw in a few new photos for you longtime supporters who read the posts when they were first published.
(First posted 2/26/2011)
Lately I've developed a fascination for the glass birds designed by Oiva Toikka (1931- ). First produced by Iittala in 1973 at their Nuutajärvi factory, they fall a little outside the parameters most of us set for mid-century dates, but I still think they look gorgeous on a MCM shelf or table.
Toikka was trained in ceramics but has designed textiles for Marimekko and has worked as a stage and costume designer as well. Toikka has described his work by saying, ”Baroque is exactly the right word to describe my work – after all, one of the word’s original meanings is an irregular pearl."
The birds range in size from the tiny Puffballs that measure 2 3/4" x 2" and sell in the $100 range to the massive pieces that measure over a foot in length, like the Festive Pheasant that measures in at 9 3/4" x 15" and sells for well over $1000.
I saw one of the birds on eBay a couple of days ago at $5.99, but the price immediately soared to $152.50, which is still considered a low price. One of these days I'll find one tucked away at an antique mall or thrift store for $10, and I'll scoop it up. Hundreds of dollars is more than I'm willing to pay.
(First posted 2/26/2011)
Toikka was trained in ceramics but has designed textiles for Marimekko and has worked as a stage and costume designer as well. Toikka has described his work by saying, ”Baroque is exactly the right word to describe my work – after all, one of the word’s original meanings is an irregular pearl."
The birds range in size from the tiny Puffballs that measure 2 3/4" x 2" and sell in the $100 range to the massive pieces that measure over a foot in length, like the Festive Pheasant that measures in at 9 3/4" x 15" and sells for well over $1000.
I saw one of the birds on eBay a couple of days ago at $5.99, but the price immediately soared to $152.50, which is still considered a low price. One of these days I'll find one tucked away at an antique mall or thrift store for $10, and I'll scoop it up. Hundreds of dollars is more than I'm willing to pay.
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| Green ibis, 6 1/2" x 8 1/4" artatheart.co.uk |
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| Barnacle goose, 8 1/2" x 14" museumofglassstore.org |
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| Bullfinch, 4 1/8" x 3" counterpointhome.com |
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| Common male teal, 4" x 6 1/2" irenesfavoritethings.com |
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| Small loon, 9 1/2" x 6 1/2" upnorthsundries.com |
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| Eagle, 11" x 10 3/4" stylendesign.co.uk |
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| Puffballs, 2 3/4" x 2" museumofglassstore.org |
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| My Toikka birds |
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| Oiva Toikka with Festive Pheasant, 9 3/4" x 15" go.nbm.org |
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Perfect plantings: Stayin' alive
Some of my most frequently read posts have dealt with houseplants that give an authentic look to a mid-century setting. I did the first post entitled Perfect Plantings in 2010, and so many of you liked it that I followed up a year later with More Perfect Plantings.
I've had several people say they'd love to have house plants, but they just can't seem to get the watering right, so I thought I'd share a photo of an automatic waterer I found online recently that I think might be a solution to that common problem.
If you read this blog with any regularity, you know that I've had an obsession with vintage bird decor for quite some time and have used the theme extensively in my new apartment. You can imagine how delighted I was when I ran across an automatic waterer that looks as if it were inspired by Oiva Toikka's glass birds. (For more about Oiva Toikka, check out this wonderful interview.)
These are available online from Solutions and come two-to-a-package for $19.95. I'm a little confused about the size of the birds, because one description on the site says the birds are about 7" from tip of beak to tip of tail, but another description lists the dimensions as 12 1/2" L x 5"W x 2 1/2"D. No matter the size, I think they'll be beautiful nestled under the leaves of a dracaena or a rubber plant and plan to order some for myself.
I've had several people say they'd love to have house plants, but they just can't seem to get the watering right, so I thought I'd share a photo of an automatic waterer I found online recently that I think might be a solution to that common problem.
If you read this blog with any regularity, you know that I've had an obsession with vintage bird decor for quite some time and have used the theme extensively in my new apartment. You can imagine how delighted I was when I ran across an automatic waterer that looks as if it were inspired by Oiva Toikka's glass birds. (For more about Oiva Toikka, check out this wonderful interview.)
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| Glass plant feeder/waterer solutions.com |
These are available online from Solutions and come two-to-a-package for $19.95. I'm a little confused about the size of the birds, because one description on the site says the birds are about 7" from tip of beak to tip of tail, but another description lists the dimensions as 12 1/2" L x 5"W x 2 1/2"D. No matter the size, I think they'll be beautiful nestled under the leaves of a dracaena or a rubber plant and plan to order some for myself.
(This was a Pinterest find. I have had no contact with the seller, nor have I received anything to write this post.)
Friday, October 5, 2012
Bird fever
I've caught it again...bird fever!
We've sold some Oiva Toikka birds in the store, but I only have one of my own so far...a long-tailed duck that I bought back in July of 2011.
If you've never held one of these marvels in your hands or watched the amazing video about how they're made (first link above), I recommend that you do so. It's a beautiful experience.
There are so many more I want...
We've sold some Oiva Toikka birds in the store, but I only have one of my own so far...a long-tailed duck that I bought back in July of 2011.
If you've never held one of these marvels in your hands or watched the amazing video about how they're made (first link above), I recommend that you do so. It's a beautiful experience.
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| Oiva Toikka Long-tailed duck |
There are so many more I want...
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| Hiplu panik-design.com |
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| Grey Swan 2modern.com |
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| Mirella ratuken.com |
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| Black Ibis fancy.com |
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| Fiskarina uniongrantham.com |
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| Curlew finnishdesignshop.fi |
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| Rusee Grebe agilestcollections.com |
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| Whooper Swan iittala.com |
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Christmas wish list: eBay
Tis the season when friends and relatives start making holiday gift lists, so I thought I'd make it simple this year for anyone planning to buy for me. Each week from now till Christmas, I'll post my wish list...and I promise not to scrimp on cost. :)
This week I searched eBay, and I found several things I think would make me pretty jolly. Of course, those near and dear to me may have to take out a couple of loans, but I'm sure they think I'm worth it. Right?
First on my list is a Tapio Wirkkala tea set. The seller has it marked down to only $208.25. Perfect Secret Santa gift, don't you think?
My fondness for glass is well-known, so it should come as no surprise that I'd be thrilled with this Timo Sarpaneva Orkidea vase, especially since it's only priced at $489.
I've decided that no house is complete without at least one piece of Adrian Pearsall, and this chair would suit me just perfectly. With bids starting at $550, it's really not too much to hope for, is it?
Everyone knows my weakness for Oiva Toikka birds, so I thought this Alaskan Loon would make a nice addition to the list. Compared to the Festive Pheasant at $1,600, this $590 beauty is a steal.
Then there's this great looking Hans Wegner Ox chair, priced at a mere $9,800.
Last, but by no means least, is this newly recovered, buttery leather Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair and ottoman for $11,500.
This week I searched eBay, and I found several things I think would make me pretty jolly. Of course, those near and dear to me may have to take out a couple of loans, but I'm sure they think I'm worth it. Right?
First on my list is a Tapio Wirkkala tea set. The seller has it marked down to only $208.25. Perfect Secret Santa gift, don't you think?
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| ebay.com - mona_buc |
My fondness for glass is well-known, so it should come as no surprise that I'd be thrilled with this Timo Sarpaneva Orkidea vase, especially since it's only priced at $489.
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| ebay.com - papuccito |
I've decided that no house is complete without at least one piece of Adrian Pearsall, and this chair would suit me just perfectly. With bids starting at $550, it's really not too much to hope for, is it?
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| ebay.com - orionsobjects |
Everyone knows my weakness for Oiva Toikka birds, so I thought this Alaskan Loon would make a nice addition to the list. Compared to the Festive Pheasant at $1,600, this $590 beauty is a steal.
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| Oiva Toikka Alaskan Loon ebay.com - carelianfox |
Then there's this great looking Hans Wegner Ox chair, priced at a mere $9,800.
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| Hans Wegner Ox chair ebay.com - colemason |
Last, but by no means least, is this newly recovered, buttery leather Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair and ottoman for $11,500.
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| Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair ebay.com - skwm |
Next week I'll scour Etsy for just the right gifts. I'm sure my friends and family members are already rolling their eyes and saying, "Good luck with that." But a girl can dream.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Starkeld of Scandinavia
I recently became better acquainted with a Swedish website called Starkeld of Scandinavia that sells beautiful ceramics, metals, glass, tableware and other items. I posted a photo of Timo Sarpaneva Festivo candlesticks from the site back in March, but I've spent time lately giving it a thorough viewing, and I've exchanged several pleasant emails with Lars Andreasson, the owner.
The company ships internationally, and there are many pieces I wish they'd ship my way. Here are a few that I love. If you give the site a look, I'm sure you'll find just as many that make your heart beat a little faster.
All images from starkeld.com
I bought a pair of these tiny Quistgaard candlesticks not long ago. They have a base that allows them to stand up straight or lean. Very cool.
The company ships internationally, and there are many pieces I wish they'd ship my way. Here are a few that I love. If you give the site a look, I'm sure you'll find just as many that make your heart beat a little faster.
All images from starkeld.com
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| Annikki Hovisaari for Arabia |
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| Okki Laine for Kupittaan Savi |
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| Oiva Toikka for Rörstrand |
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| Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg |
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| Per Lütken for Holmegaard |
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| Nils Landford for Orrefors |
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| Erik Höglund for Boda |
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| Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta |
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| Paro candleholders |
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| Pewter candlesticks from GAB |
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| Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metal |
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| Jens Quistgaard for Dansk |
I bought a pair of these tiny Quistgaard candlesticks not long ago. They have a base that allows them to stand up straight or lean. Very cool.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Oiva Toikka Long-tailed Duck
I keep an eye on eBay to buy smalls for the store. If it's a toss-up between buying an item for the store or buying for myself, I generally bow out and bid on behalf of the store. Yesterday I contacted my SIL about an Iittala Oiva Toikka bird I had found. He and my daughter were packing so they could get off with the boys on on a short vacation today, and he has a big buying trip for furniture planned for later in the week. I don't think his mind was really on buying smalls, so he declined.
I can't tell you how fast (or how gleefully) I jumped at the chance to get this spectacular Toikka piece for myself...or how happy I was when I won it. It's called the Long-tailed Duck, and it was designed in 1973. It's 4 1/4" high and 6 3/4" long, which is a very nice size. It normally sells for close to $200, but I got it for a great price! As far as I can tell, it's recently been discontinued, so it will only increase in value over time. Take a look at this delighfully shimmery creature.
I can't tell you how fast (or how gleefully) I jumped at the chance to get this spectacular Toikka piece for myself...or how happy I was when I won it. It's called the Long-tailed Duck, and it was designed in 1973. It's 4 1/4" high and 6 3/4" long, which is a very nice size. It normally sells for close to $200, but I got it for a great price! As far as I can tell, it's recently been discontinued, so it will only increase in value over time. Take a look at this delighfully shimmery creature.
If you haven't experienced an Oiva Toikka bird firsthand yet, I urge you to find a store that carries them and at least hold one and enjoy the quality of the workmanship, even if you're not interested in buying. Before I saw my first one, frankly I wondered what all the hubbub was about. I've never been particularly interested in small figurines, but Toikka's glass is breathtakingly beautiful, and he takes the stylized bird figure to a place I never imagined.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Oiva Toikka Interview: Birds
So many people showed an interest in the post about Oiva Toikka birds the other day that I thought I'd treat you to a couple of short interviews that not only give you a look at Toikka the man, but also show you how the birds are made.
Oiva Toikka Interview: Part 1
Saturday, February 26, 2011
For the birds
Toikka was trained in ceramics but has designed textiles for Marimekko and has worked as a stage and costume designer as well. Toikka has described his work by saying, ”Baroque is exactly the right word to describe my work – after all, one of the word’s original meanings is an irregular pearl."
The birds range in size from the tiny Puffballs that measure 2 3/4" x 2" and sell in the $100 range to the massive pieces that measure over a foot in length, like the Festive Pheasant that measures in at 9 3/4" x 15" and sells for well over $1000.
I saw one of the birds on eBay a couple of days ago at $5.99, but the price immediately soared to $152.50, which is still considered a low price. One of these days I'll find one tucked away at an antique mall or thrift store for $10, and I'll scoop it up. Hundreds of dollars is more than I'm willing to pay.
|
| Green ibis, 6 1/2" x 8 1/4" artatheart.co.uk |
|
| Barnacle goose, 8 1/2" x 14" museumofglassstore.org |
|
| Bullfinch, 4 1/8" x 3" counterpointhome.com |
|
| Common male teal, 4" x 6 1/2" irenesfavoritethings.com |
|
| Small loon, 9 1/2" x 6 1/2" upnorthsundries.com |
|
| Eagle, 11" x 10 3/4" stylendesign.co.uk |
|
| Puffballs, 2 3/4" x 2" museumofglassstore.org |
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| Oiva Toikka with Festive Pheasant, 9 3/4" x 15" go.nbm.org |
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