Nuutajärvi
Pioni Red Wine Glasses Large by Oiva Toikka for Nuutajärvi Finland 1970s-80s Set of 8
Pioni Red Wine Glasses Large by Oiva Toikka for Nuutajärvi Finland 1970s-80s Set of 8
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A complete set of eight Pioni red wine glasses designed by Oiva Toikka for Nuutajärvi, Finland, produced between the late 1970s and mid-1980s. Having eight matching pieces in mint condition makes this an especially valuable find within 1970s Finnish glass.
The Pioni series—meaning 'peony' in Finnish—is one of the most representative examples of Nordic design, where nature-inspired aesthetics meet functionality and technical excellence. Each large Pioni goblet features a delicate floral relief pattern, crafted using the pressed glass technique, adding texture and character to the piece. Its smooth interior facilitates daily use, while its decorative exterior reflects the elegant and understated Scandinavian aesthetic that characterizes Nuutajärvi. The thick base provides stability and weight, while the pressed peony motif catches and refracts light beautifully.
This set of eight Pioni glasses is not simply a functional object—it's a piece of Finnish glass history. The sculptural floral form and luminous clarity transform light into art, creating subtle variations in tone and intensity throughout the day. This is the kind of design that celebrates the golden age of Scandinavian glass and becomes a treasured piece in any collection.
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Story
Designed in the 1970s, the Pioni series represents the union of artistic glass and everyday use, bringing the sculptural quality of Finnish glass to the table. The series is characterized by its search for functional elegance, based on nature-inspired forms, balanced proportions, and delicate pressed ornamentation. The transparency of the glass is the protagonist—an honest, luminous, and discreet material enhanced by the floral relief pattern. Toikka created a complete and coherent table service with different types of glasses under the same aesthetic language, embodying the spirit of 1970s Nordic design: simplicity, utility, and accessible beauty for daily life.
About the Designer
Oiva Toikka (1931–2019) was one of Finland's most influential designers and an icon of modern glass. His philosophy centered on transforming everyday objects into functional art pieces, always drawing inspiration from nature, flora, and fauna. Toikka worked extensively at Nuutajärvi, where he developed collections characterized by harmony between form, texture, and function, with the Pioni series being a perfect example of this vision. Beyond Pioni, he is world-renowned for his glass birds (Birds by Toikka), which showcase the same artistic sensitivity and technical mastery as his collectible glasses and goblets. His work has been exhibited in international museums and remains a reference in Nordic design, combining creativity, quality, and durability.
About Nuutajärvi
Nuutajärvi / Nuutajärven Lasi, founded in 1793, is Finland's oldest glass factory and a historical reference in artistic and functional glass production. Recognized for its artisanal tradition and technical excellence, the factory collaborated with numerous renowned designers, creating pieces that combine aesthetics and utility. The Pioni series belongs to Nuutajärvi's original era, produced between the late 1970s and mid-1980s. In 1988, Nuutajärvi merged with Iittala, consolidating Finnish glass tradition and techniques into a broader, internationally recognized brand. After the merger and production relocation to Iittala in 2014, the Pioni series is no longer manufactured, making these goblets authentic collector's pieces and an example of classic Nordic glass heritage.
This Pioni goblet offers an opportunity to acquire a piece from an iconic series—equally suited to selective use, Nordic interior styling, or as a centerpiece in a curated collection of Scandinavian design. Each glass carries the quiet elegance and material honesty that define the best of mid-century Finnish craft.
Details
Manufacturer: Nuutajärvi, Finland
Series: Pioni
Model: Red Wine Glasses
Period: Late 1970s–Mid 1980s
Technique: Pressed glass
Height: approx. 12 cm
Diameter: 8 cm
Capacity: approx. 20 cl
Quantity: 8 red wine glasses
Condition
Minor wear may be present. No cracks or chips. As with all vintage pieces, this goblet may show signs of previous use and age. Any such marks are signs of authenticity, not flaws, and add to its unique character.