Finnish Design Blog

Strong new colors from Iittala for 2007: Sand meets the sky — Coming soon to FinnishGifts.com
 
Soft, warm sand under foot, an ultramarine sea stretching out in front of you, and the sky overarching above – these are some of the feelings that Iittala’s new colors for 2007, sand and ultramarine, bring to mind. Bold natural elements are proving a major source of inspiration for today’s interiors, and Iittala’s new spring products offer a range of ideas for the table and the home generally.

The range of colors offered by Iittala products embraces the entire spectrum, from the timeless to the very contemporary, with something for everyone. Some of us prefer classical colors, others like something trendier, while yet others simply want a change – everybody has their own style and taste. The colors that stay in the Iittala product range stand for continuity, while the range’s highlight colors offer a splash of something different.

Sandy tones for the table…
Iittala’s porcelain and glass collections will both feature some sophisticated sandy variations this year. The most popular products in the Teema family – the mug, the bowl, the deep plate and the shallow 21-cm plate – will all be available in sand, and will be ideal for combining with blue, brown, and white Teema pieces. They will also make an excellent accompaniment to the Aika range launched last autumn, as well as other Iittala products.

Sand is also featured in glassware in the Aino Aalto and Kartio ranges. These glasses in soft new colors will make a perfect complement for other pieces in blue.

… and a hint of ultramarine
Ultramarine conjures up the expanse of the sky and the reflections glittering off a sun-drenched sea – a rich depth of color and a lighter, softer touch as well. While opposites in many ways, sand and ultramarine complement each other excellently. Ultramarine is the ninth color to be added to the Kartio glass range, and the eight to be added to the Aino Aalto range.

Natural colors for the interiors
These two new colors work very well with other earthy shades. Sand has been selected as the keynote color for 2007 for the Aalto range. Hand-blown Aalto vases will only be produced in this color this year, including a dual-color vase featuring white exterior surfaces and a sand interior.

All of Iittala’s main candleholders – the classic Kivi, the triangular Tris, the Aalto, launched last autumn, and also the Mariskooli bowl – will be available in both new colors. The tall Lantern and the Jars storage range will be available in sand.

A skillful use of color has always been one of the traditional strengths of the 125 year old Iittala glass factory.

Birds by Toikka – A collection of many species for 2007 - Now available!

2007 Toikka Birds
 
Iittala Birds is a unique collection, even in global terms. Every year, Professor Oiva Toikka and the skilled glassblowers assisting him breathe life into yet new species of Iittala Birds. The 2007 vintage of Birds by Toikka is now completed. It consists of six new birds as well as the Annual Bird along with its Annual Egg, both eagerly anticipated by collectors everywhere.

Oiva Toikka explores the opportunities offered by glass, exploiting the renowned Iittala skill with color, the transparency and opacity of glass. There is great virtuosity in the way that filigree and filigree tape have been used to depict the birds’ plumage. In his birds, Oiva Toikka uses glass like a painter uses his palette.

The Annual Flock
Oiva Toikka’s ideas spring from nature and from the artist’s abundant imagination. This year’s new birds include some graceful individuals, painted with an organic palette, such as the Eurasian Wryneck and the Woodcock. The two showpieces in the collection are the magnificent Whooper Swan and the glossy Festive Pheasant. Every bird is an individual with a personality that speaks to you.

Cloud Tern, Annual Bird 2007
A delicate, translucent green against blue plumage. The tradition of the Iittala Annual Bird started in 1993, which was Nuutajärvi Glass Factory’s second centenary year.

Rainbow Bird
The body displays sumptuous luster tape, while the blue and red of the head and the beak introduce a more playful note, characteristic of Oiva Toikka: exquisite, but not too serious.

Whooper Swan, white and grey (pictured)
The long-necked swan, well-loved by Finns, is a challenging shape for glassblowers. This beautiful Iittala Bird comes in the pure white of the adult bird or in the light grey plumage of the cygnet. A swan is a symbolic gift and always deeply appreciated by the recipient.

Eurasian Wryneck
The vivacious wryneck occurs throughout southern Finland. Perhaps Toikka the Artist has momentarily become Toikka the Twitcher, as the bird’s character stems from the pose which is so typical of the species.

Eurasian Woodcock
In the wild, this wader can be identified by its frog-like mating croak. The glass is worked skillfully to produce the bird’s brownish, brindled coloring. This year’s campaign bird: only available in 2007.

Festive Pheasant
A splendid bird, produced in a limited edition of 2000 birds, each one individually numbered. It displays the beauty of glass at its most diverse: glowing colors, metallic luster and multi-hued plumage, skillfully created with heated glass thread.

Iittala Birds and the origins of the tradition
The first birds created by Oiva Toikka and the glassblowers of the Nuutajärvi Glass Factory, the oldest in Finland, saw the light of day in 1973. The first bird was the Flycatcher, appearing in different color variations. Over 300 species have been created, some of them more enduring in production than others. This year, Birds by Toikka contains 43 different species.

Within the Iittala range, Iittala Birds stands out as a collection of individualistic interior decoration elements, to be used to add distinctive detail to your home interior. Iittala Birds is an internationally renowned concept that belongs in the highest echelons of glass production. Every bird has its origin in the artist’s vision, his idea, which is brought to life by professional, experienced glassblowers. Seamless cooperation guarantees success.

Birds by Toikka is a collection with a simple and natural theme, taking us forward along an age-old path of tradition. Each bird is a unique individual, signed with the artist’s name as well as the name of Nuutajärvi – it is the tangible product of skilled artisanship. The passing of time enhances the value of these objets d’art. That is why Iittala Birds are cherished and valued gifts and irresistible to collectors around the world, from Finland to the United States and from Central Europe all the way to Japan.

Anyone who has been lucky enough to witness the birth of a Bird by Toikka will cherish his or her treasure all the more.