Nuutajärvi
Pioni Liqueur Glass by Oiva Toikka for Nuutajärvi Finland Set of 9
Pioni Liqueur Glass by Oiva Toikka for Nuutajärvi Finland Set of 9
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A complete set of nine Pioni liqueur glasses designed by Oiva Toikka for Nuutajärvi, Finland, produced between the late 1970s and mid-1980s. The Pioni series—meaning 'peony' in Finnish—showcases Toikka's mastery in creating cohesive glassware collections where each piece, from the smallest liqueur glass to the largest goblet, shares the same distinctive aesthetic language.
These diminutive glasses demonstrate how the pressed peony motif adapts beautifully across different scales. The delicate floral relief pattern wraps around the bowl, creating intricate light play that's particularly striking in smaller proportions. Each glass features the characteristic textured exterior contrasting with a smooth interior, making them as practical for serving fine liqueurs and digestifs as they are beautiful to display.
The footed design with its textured base provides stability while maintaining visual lightness. Whether used for aquavit, schnapps, limoncello, or other spirits, these glasses elevate the ritual of after-dinner drinks into a moment of Nordic elegance. Complete sets of nine are exceptionally rare, as most Pioni pieces have been separated over the decades.
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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 glasses authentic collector's pieces and an example of classic Nordic glass heritage.
This complete set of nine Pioni liqueur glasses offers a rare opportunity to acquire multiple pieces 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: Liqueur Glass
Period: Late 1970s–Mid 1980s
Technique: Pressed glass
Height: approx. 8 cm
Diameter: approx. 4 cm
Capacity: approx. 5–6 cl
Quantity: Set of 9 glasses
Condition
Minor wear may be present. No cracks or chips. As with all vintage pieces, this set may show signs of previous use and age. Any such marks are signs of authenticity, not flaws, and add to its unique character.