Kihu, Birds by Toikka, Oiva Toikka, Nuutajärvi

The Details
Designer: Oiva Toikka
Object: Glass bird / Art glass
Model: Kihu / Labbe
Series: Birds by Toikka
Manufacturer: Nuutajärvi
Period of Manufacture: 1988-1992
Material: Glass
Technique: Free-blowing
Color: White filigree on brown body, lighter belly, dark matte head, split tail and gloss black beak.
Width: 320 mm
Length: 114 mm
Height: 135 mm 
Weight: 1340 g
Condition: Excellent condition with minimal signs of wear.
Signed: Engraved signature "Oiva Toikka Nuutajärvi Notsjö"
Numbered: Numbered
Keyword: Royal SiO2 Exclusive. Limited edition. Scandinavian design, Finnish glass.

The Details
Designed by Oiva Toikka for Nuutajärvi, Kihu (Labbe) was produced between 1988 and 1992 as a limited edition of 3,000 pieces. The bird has a long, elegant body with an extended split tail and a richly patterned surface. White filigree-like details flow across the brown body, while the lighter belly, dark matte head and clear tail create a distinctive contrast. Kihu was free-blown and individually shaped by hand, allowing subtle variations between examples. Rather than reproducing a bird literally, Toikka translated its character into the fluid and expressive language of blown glass. With its distinctive colouring and elongated form, Kihu is an appealing example of Oiva Toikka's Birds by Toikka series and is highly sought after by collectors worldwide.