A little bird for pocket change—or for thousands of euros! Glass birds turn up cheaply at flea markets, but the most coveted ones fetch hefty sums
Decorative glass birds are demonstrations of glassblowers’ skill, and have been made in many Finnish factories. Oiva Toikka’s famous birds are the most popular ones, but there are plenty of affordable delights on the vintage market as well.
Glass birds became popular decor pieces and milestone gifts when the Nuutajärvi glass factory began to produce Oiva Toikka’s glass bird designs in 1972. In total, Toikka created more than five hundred different models.
Riding the wave of Nuutajärvi’s success, other glassworks came out with birds of their own. Before long, they were part of almost every Finnish glass factory’s range—from Humppilan Lasi and Taidelasi to Merilasi, Muurla and Studiolasi.
You can bring home a little bird for about ten euros.
With glass birds, the blowers could really show off their craft, using special techniques that give the pieces a lively character.
On the vintage market, Oiva Toikka’s birds have long been the most sought-after collectibles, and they also carry the highest price tags; certain specimens sell for thousands of euros. Unnamed feathered friends, on the other hand, let you build a sizeable flock for a song, although their prices are climbing too. In Finland, you can still adopt a little bird for around ten euros.
