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Iittala Bird: Goldcrest (Kikuitadaki)
Brand: Iittala / Designer: Oiva Toikka / Date: around 1995
Birds displayed in the wife’s room of the new home. Placed in front of a large eagle owl, their size can be clearly seen. The pure white bird is a snowy owl, and the one with a red head is a stork.
Many people may have seen the hand-blown glass bird series called “Iittala Birds” at Oda Collection exhibitions. The collection includes about 130 types, but since there are more than 700 types in total, this is only a small part. The series began when Kaj Franck created glass birds at the long-established glass company Nuutajärvi. This work was later carried on by Oiva Toikka, who worked with him.
This baby bird in its nest is 58 mm long. I bought it about 30 years ago. Every year, six or seven new pieces are released, and I have slowly collected those I felt should be kept for the future. “Small size” is an important part of what makes something charming. The way this bird curls up in its nest is truly lovable. The long-tailed tit (shima-enaga), now popular in Japan, is also a very small bird. I have liked wild birds for a long time, and while living in Higashikagura, I always set up birdhouses and bird tables to enjoy watching them. This is why the Oda Collection includes many birdhouses.
Furniture alone does not enrich everyday life. When there is light, flowers, vessels, and even things that are not strictly necessary, a space becomes richer and life feels more comfortable. In my Higashikagura home, the glass birds sat on a cabinet in the living room and brought quiet joy to my family. I often say this, but I sigh at today’s habit of calling everything simply “cute.” If you remove “cute” (kawaii) from “cute design,” what remains is “good design.” I hope people will look beyond this childlike way of thinking.
The design museum, which was my final goal in coming to Hokkaido, is now moving closer to reality, with detailed discussions being led by Higashikawa Town. I truly believe this project will be completed in the best possible way. I feel that I was born to create this design museum. To understand the reason for one’s life—there is no greater happiness. I did not become the head of a large company, but I am deeply thankful that I have been able to devote myself fully to this work.
October 19, 2025 · Based on a talk by Prof. Oda
Small pieces from the Iittala Birds series.
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