Professor Oiva Toikka is one of the most significant names in Finnish glass culture. His vivid, rich, and bold glass art stands in contrast to the often simplified aesthetic of Nordic design. A true master of his craft, Toikka has explored various creative fields including ceramics, set design, and costume design. Since 1972, he has also been creating glass birds. His involvement in the performing arts has been as long-standing as his work in glass. The Birds collection, which Toikka himself describes as an "irregular pearl," is his most iconic work. Internationally renowned, Toikka received the "Lunning Prize" (often referred to as the Finnish Nobel Prize in design), the "Pro Finlandia Medal" for his contribution to the country’s culture and arts, the global "World Glass Now 85 Award," the prestigious "Kaj Franck Design Prize," and Sweden’s royal "Prince Eugen Medal" for artistic achievement.