The Kastehelmi collection by Finnish designer Oiva Toikka was born of Toikka's determination to find a pattern that would hide the seam marks in glass. Like Edgar Poe's famous letter, which was placed in the centre of the room so that it could not be found, he came up with the idea of using it as an ornamental motif that brought it to the fore, making it a thing of the past.
Kastehelmi ("dewdrop" in Finnish) plays with light, bringing out the reflective beauty of glass. The collection offers a wide range of versatile, tactile pieces that are functional, delicate and durable.Â
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Dishwasher safe.
Oiva Toikka
Oiva Toikka (born 1931) is one of the great figures of Finnish design, and his imaginative, rich and bold glass art has inspired large swathes of contemporary Nordic design.
Oiva Toikka's personal style is clearly reflected in the utilitarian objects he creates, often far removed from traditional Nordic minimalism. In addition to glass, his artistic activities include staging, fashion design and plastic interior design elements.
Oiva Toikka has acquired a solid international reputation throughout his prolific career, which dates back to the 1950s and is studded with collaborations with renowned Finnish and foreign designers and artists. He has won several prestigious awards, including the Kaj Franck Design Prize and the Prince Eugen Medal. In 1993, Oiva Toikka was awarded the honorary title of Professor of the Arts by the State of Finland. Birds by Oiva Toikka, a series designed for Iittala, combines the artist's boundless imagination with his expertise in the characteristics of glass. The unique, colourful birds, all handmade, have become the passion of collectors around the world.