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Iittala Nuutajärvi Oiva Toikka Glass Bird - 'Ugla' (Owl) Yellow and Black Striped

Yellow and black striped glass owl figurine by Oiva Toikka for Iittala with large blue eyes sitting on a white box.

Estimated value

$175 - $350

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Brand

Iittala

Era

Late 20th Century (circa 1990-2010)

Origin

🇫🇮 Finland

Artist / Creator

Oiva Toikka

Authenticity

High(80%)
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IITTALA NUUTAJÄRVI OIVA TOIKKA GLASS BIRD - 'UGLA' (OWL) YELLOW AND BLACK STRIPED: IDENTIFICATION

A mouth-blown lead-free glass figurine representing an owl, featuring a cylindrical domed body with horizontal zanfirico-style threading. The object displays a vibrant yellow ground with dark brown to black horizontal striations. Two large, slightly protruding 'spectacle' eyes are applied in bright cobalt blue with black centers, typical of the Oiva Toikka 'Birds by Toikka' series.

Compare with other ceramic pieces in the archive: Chinese Blue & White 'Ginger Jar' Vase, Style of Kangxi Period, Korean Buncheong-style Glazed Stoneware Jar, Joseon Dynasty Type, Chinese Famille Rose (Fencai) Decorative Plate.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Finnish ModernismPost-1970

The 'Birds by Toikka' series represents the mid-century shift toward playful, organic forms in Nordic glass design.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Often used as commemorative gifts in Finland to mark professional milestones or retirements.

Meaning Through Time

20th Century

Transitioned from a functional glassmaking demonstration item to a high-end design collectible.

PRODUCTION & FIRING

Designed by Finnish artist Oiva Toikka for the Nuutajärvi glassworks, which merged with Iittala in 1988. This specific 'Ugla' owl design entered production in the late 20th century, specifically the 1990s, following the series' inception in 1972. Production shifted entirely to the Iittala glass factory in 2014 after the Nuutajärvi plant closure.

COLLECTOR NOTES

1

Every glass bird in this series is mouth-blown without a mold, meaning the stripe density and eye placement vary slightly on every single piece produced since 1972.

2

The Nuutajärvi glass factory where these were originally made was founded in 1793, making it the oldest glassworks in Finland until its closure in 2014.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 101 ceramics items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Consistent stripe pattern and eye application style with known Iittala production
  • High level of finishing on the fire-polished surface
  • The design is frequently reproduced under official license, but rarely forged in this specific colorway with accuracy
How does authenticity detection work?

CERAMICIST'S ASSESSMENT

Decorative Arts Specialist

Silver & Glass Expert

The form and color application are highly characteristic of the Birds by Toikka collection, but the lack of a visible base signature limits the confidence to 0.88.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Distinctive 'Spectacle' eye application technique unique to Toikka's owl series
  • 2Horizontal glass threading technique consistent with Nuutajärvi factory standards
  • 3Color palette of bright yellow and deep brown/black glass melts typical of late 90s/early 2000s production
  • 4Cylindrical body shape matching the 'Ugla' (Owl) model catalog specifications

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Absence of a visible base signature or 'Iittala' sandblasted logo/sticker in the photo
  • •Slightly irregular eye symmetry which is common in hand-blown work but requires base verification

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Photograph the base to verify the etched 'O. Toikka' signature
  • →Check for the presence of the red 'i' Iittala sticker or its adhesive residue
  • →Examine under 10x magnification for any surface scratches or base wear 'shelf-wear' consistent with age

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

Surface appears free of chips or significant abrasions. No visible 'crizzling' or internal fractures. The base is not visible to check for the etched signature 'O. Toikka Nuutajärvi' or 'O. Toikka Iittala'.

CERAMICS MARKET VALUE

$175 - $350

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Specialist Nordic design collectors and enthusiasts of the Birds by Toikka series.

What increases value

  • •Verification of the Nuutajärvi etched signature vs a newer Iittala mark
  • •Eye symmetry and intensity of the cobalt blue glass
  • •Condition of the base surface

What lowers value

  • •Small 'flea bite' chips on the base edge
  • •Excessive scratching from being displayed on hard surfaces

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Early 1990s Nuutajärvi production marks
  • •Exceptional color contrast in the threading

Grade & condition

Surface clarity, integrity of the applied eyes, and presence of original factory markings.

Rarity & demand

AverageHigh demandSells quickly
Browse similar ceramics objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

AN

annelies
Wonderseeker•1 item

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