Iittala’s Waiter, made of sand-colored, transparent glass, is part of the popular Birds by Toikka glass art collection. Eager to serve his customers, Waiter stands upright on his pedestal with his hair combed back and the tail of his dark formal coat flared out. The first glass birds of Birds by Toikka collection were designed in 1972 by Professor Oiva Toikka, renowned for his unique contribution to Finnish art glass over the past half-century. So far over 400 species have been created, some of them more enduring in production than others. Each bird is a mouth-blown, unique individual, signed with the artist’s name. The passing of time enhances the value of these art objects – that is why Birds by Toikka are cherished and valued gifts and irresistible to collectors around the world.