What came first, the Iittala Bird or the Egg!

Humour is one of the best things about working at Panik Design. Our fancy pants business owner, Paul Overton, does like to keep the vibe high in the office which makes it a really fun place to work. When I asked him what he wanted me to write about this week he replied, some little birds. I thought he meant the Panikista birds, Jasmine, Mayya, Mickyla and me. Paul found this really amusing! It turns out he meant the Iittala Blue Charadruis Birds by Toikka!

Allow me to elaborate on the wonderful master of Finnish glass, Oiva Toikka (1931-2019). His spirited and imaginative glass art is mildly rebellious from the traditional mainstream puritanism of Nordic designs. Toikka's reputation for his limitless imagination and expertise in the characteristics of glass date back to the 1950's.  He has won several prestigious awards including the Kaj Franck Design Prize and the Prince Eugen Medal. In 1993, Toikka was given the honorary title of Professor of the Arts by the state of Finland. Birds by Toikka is a collection of distinguished and colourful birds, which are all handmade. Their unique beauty has become the passion of collector’s worldwide.

Iittala have launched The Annual Bird of 2023, the Blue Charadrius, by Toikka. There is a matching Egg too! Birds are symbolic of freedom, grace, love, strength, longevity, eternity, happiness, and much more. Perfect as a gift for memorable moments, or just because you are a Toikka fan and need this for your collection. Whatever the reason, The Annual Bird is a real treat for your love nest!

To view the gorgeous Iittala Birds (not Jasmine, Mayya, Mickyla and me!) just take a look on our website!