Paperweight

A work designed by Oiva Toikka.
A paperweight with two cast glass pieces (only one side features a fish motif) welded together using the same manufacturing method as the OT1 (FISH) designed in 1964, with a polished surface finish.
The cut signature is "Nuutajärvi Notsjö."
Based on the cut signature and the Nuutajärvi sticker, it is presumed to have been manufactured between 1965 and 1970.
A rare item.
*In good condition with no noticeable damage.

OIVA TOIKKA｜1931-2019｜FINLAND

Oiva Toikka was a Finnish designer/artist. He specialized in ceramics at the Institute of Industrial Arts (Taideteollinen oppilaitos) under Elsa Elenius.

After graduating in 1956, he began his career as a designer at Arabia, and half a year later transferred to the art department. In 1958, he held his first solo exhibition, showcasing unique and powerful animal motifs with a touch of humor, which was well-received and brought a fresh wave to the ceramics world at the time.

In 1959, he left Arabia to support his family and continued his design activities while teaching at several schools. From 1963, he was invited to Nuutajärvi as a glass designer, where he continued to be active for a long period until 2019.

He brought rich storytelling and free imagination to the material of glass, from products to unique pieces, distancing himself somewhat from the trend of Nordic design that emphasizes functionality and rationality, and continuously pursued forms that incorporated humor, fantasy, and serendipity.

Beyond ceramics and glass, he was active in various fields such as fabric print design, graphic design, exhibition design, opera, and stage art.

He received numerous awards, including the Lunning Prize in 1970, the Pro Finlandia Medal in 1980, and the Kaj Franck Design Prize in 1992.