Bowl 25 cm - Tundra - Iittala

The Tundra collection, designed by Oiva Toikka and published by Iittala, is a series of tactile, nostalgic glassware created in 1970. This line illustrates Toikka's unique talent for transforming natural inspirations into everyday objects imbued with character and poetry, moving away from the strict minimalism often associated with Nordic design.

Origin & inspiration

Oiva Toikka (1931-2019), a major figure in Finnish design, drew his inspiration for this collection from the harsh, untamed landscapes of the Arctic tundra. The demanding conditions of this environment, vast frozen expanses, irregular textures and organic patterns, are reflected in Tundra's design. Toikka, known for his vivid imagination and love of nature, has drawn on these elements to create glassware that evokes both fragility and resilience. His personal style, often bold and rich in detail, stands out here with an approach that blends subtlety and complexity.

Features

Tundra is distinguished by its delicate patterns, composed of multiple small, unique motifs that together form a harmonious visual structure. Made from transparent glass, each piece - bowls, glasses, cups or bowls - features a textured surface reminiscent of the roughness of the tundra. This texture, achieved through meticulous work at the Iittala glass factory in Finland, lends the collection a tactile as well as aesthetic quality. The items are sturdy and versatile, dishwasher-safe (but not microwave-safe), and suitable for both everyday use and as decorative objects.

Influence

Originally introduced in 1970, Tundra has been reinstated in Iittala's permanent collection in recent years, a sign of its timeless appeal. This reissue testifies to the enduring impact of Oiva Toikka, whose prolific career, which began in the 1950s, has left its mark on Nordic design with its boldness and creativity.

Designer

Oiva Toikka (1931-2019) is one of the great personas of Finnish glass design. His imaginative, rich and bold glass art is a departure from mainstream Nordic design. Toikka’s individual style is also evident in the utility objects he creates as they often deviate from the traditional clean-lined puritanism of Finnish design aesthetics. In addition to glass, his artistic activities cover staging, fashion design and plastic interior design elements.

Iittala: Finnish design defined by purity, functionality and the poetry of glass

A historic icon of Nordic design

Founded in 1881, Iittala is one of Finland most iconic design brands. Originally dedicated to blown glass, it soon became a cornerstone of Scandinavian design through its pursuit of simplicity, functionality and timeless beauty. Iittala represents a Nordic aesthetic built on honesty and clarity.

A legacy shaped by visionary designers

Iittala owes much of its fame to major designers such as Alvar Aalto, Kaj Franck and Tapio Wirkkala. Their creations, now global icons, express the essence of Finnish modernism through organic shapes, minimalism and deep respect for materials. The brand continues to reissue these masterpieces while collaborating with contemporary designers.

Mastery of blown glass and refined Nordic materials

Iittala craftsmanship is rooted in exceptional expertise in blown glass. Every vase, bowl or decorative object is made with precision in its Finnish workshops. The brand also works with ceramic, stainless steel and other materials, always prioritising durability, purity and long lasting quality.

A collection combining beauty and everyday functionality

Iittala offers a complete range: glassware, vases, tableware, decorative objects and iconic Finnish design pieces. Lines are clean, colours refined and forms built to last. Each item is conceived to be both beautiful and useful, following the core principles of Scandinavian design.

Timeless series that span generations

The Aalto collection, the Teema series, Kartio glassware and Ruutu vases are among the most celebrated pieces. These designs have become international symbols of Nordic aesthetics, blending simplicity and expressive form.

Conclusion: Finnish glass art shaped by tradition and modernity

Iittala expresses a pure and poetic vision of design, where craftsmanship, simplicity and durability come together. Choosing Iittala means bringing Nordic authenticity and timeless beauty into everyday life.