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    Iittala Birds by Toikka - Annual Owl (Huuhkaja / Bubo Bubo)

    Iittala Birds by Toikka Annual Owl glass sculpture with yellow and black stripes and blue eyes.
    Uncommon (5/10)
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    QUICK FACTS

    19

    Categories

    Decorative Objects,Art,Collectibles

    Era

    Late 20th to Early 21st Century (post-1972 manufacturing)

    Origin

    🇫🇮 Finland

    Brand

    Iittala

    Artist/Maker

    Oiva Toikka

    Rarity

    Uncommon (5/10)

    Discovered

    Jan 12, 2026

    1 months ago

    DESCRIPTION

    This appears to be an iconic 'Birds by Toikka' Annual Owl, specifically the 'Huuhkaja' (Eagle Owl) from the Finnish glassmaker Iittala. The vibrant blue eyes, characteristic of many Toikka birds, stand out against the yellow body with black horizontal stripes, a clear stylistic choice for this particular annual edition. The 'Birds by Toikka' series are highly collectible art glass pieces.

    CULTURAL ECHOES

    Where This Object Echoes

    Scandinavian DesignMid-20th Century to Present

    The simple, organic forms and focus on natural inspiration align with the broader Scandinavian modern design movement.

    Studio Glass MovementMid-20th Century to Present

    The emphasis on the artist as both designer and craftsman, working directly with the material, echoes the international Studio Glass movement.

    Ritual & Ceremonial Use

    • •Display as art objects in contemporary homes and offices
    • •Gift-giving for special occasions, especially among collectors of design objects

    Meaning Through Time

    Ancient Times

    Owls often symbolized wisdom, mystery, and protection in various mythologies.

    Modern Era (post-1970s)

    Within the context of Toikka's Birds, the owl becomes an iconic symbol of art glass craftsmanship and collectible design.

    HISTORICAL STORY

    Oiva Toikka began designing his glass birds for Iittala in 1972, drawing inspiration from nature and his passion for art glass. The collection has grown to include over 500 unique birds, each with its own character and often reflecting specific bird species. These annual birds are highly ...
    Oiva Toikka began designing his glass birds for Iittala in 1972, drawing inspiration from nature and his passion for art glass. The collection has grown to include over 500 unique birds, each with its own character and often reflecting specific bird species. These annual birds are highly anticipated by collectors and represent a fusion of Finnish design tradition with modern glassblowing artistry.

    DID YOU KNOW?

    1

    Oiva Toikka, the designer behind these birds, was initially encouraged by a colleague at Iittala to pursue his artistic vision with glass, leading to this beloved series.

    2

    Each 'Birds by Toikka' piece is individually mouth-blown, making every bird a unique work of art with slight variations in color and form.

    MATERIAL & CONDITION

    Surface

    The piece exhibits a smooth, glossy glass surface, characteristic of polished and finished art glass. The contrasting yellow and black stripes are encased within the glass, indicating a complex layering and shaping technique during the glassblowing process. The bright blue glass for the eyes adds a pop of color.

    Weight & Feel

    Given its size and solid glass construction, this owl would feel substantial and dense in hand, as is typical for high-quality art glass figurines.

    Condition

    The visible surfaces appear to be in excellent condition, with good luster and no obvious chips, cracks, or significant abrasions. Being glass, its primary vulnerabilities are impact damage.

    RARITY ANALYSIS

    Uncommon70-80%
    CommonLegendary

    Genuine antiques with fewer examples on the market. Named makers, documented provenance, or early production examples.

    Typical Characteristics

    • Limited production
    • Named makers
    • Growing collector demand

    EXPERT ANALYSIS

    Decorative Arts Specialist

    Ceramics & Silver Expert

    The visual cues strongly suggest an Iittala Birds by Toikka owl, specifically an annual edition. The color scheme and stripe pattern are quite recognizable within the series, allowing for a high degree of confidence in the general identification. Without a base photo, precise dating or confirmation of specific model name (e.g., Annual Bird 2011 Huuhkaja) remains an approximation, hence not 'near-certain'.

    KEY EVIDENCE

    • 1Distinctive 'Birds by Toikka' style and form, particularly the round body and large eyes.
    • 2Characteristic yellow-and-black striped body with prominent blue eyes, indicative of specific Annual Owl editions.
    • 3Appearance of high-quality, mouth-blown art glass with internal coloration.
    • 4Association with the Iittala brand, implied by the design and known Toikka series.

    WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

    • →Examine the base for an etched signature ('O. Toikka / Iittala') or any factory labels, which are common.
    • →Measure the precise dimensions to confirm it aligns with known annual owl specifications.
    • →Perform a tap test to check for hidden cracks or repairs, which would alter the ring of the glass.

    ESTIMATED VALUE

    $150 - $400

    Updated: Feb 26, 2026

    • Market comparables from auctions & retail
    • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
    • Current collector demand & trends
    • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

    For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

    FROM THE CABINET OF

    AN

    annelies

    Wonderseeker•1 item

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