Oiva Toikka for Iittala 'Stara' Sheep Glass Paperweight

This is a hand-blown glass figurine depicting a sheep, famously designed by Professor Oiva Toikka for the Finnish glassware manufacturer Iittala. The piece is crafted using the 'incalmo' or fused-glass technique, where separate components are joined while hot. The body of the sheep is made from an opalescent, marbled white glass which gives a textured, wool-like appearance through internal swirling. The head and ears are crafted from smooth, high-gloss solid black glass. A notable feature is the white ruffled collar or mane that divides the head from the body, showing intricate manual crimping details. The eyes are small applied glass dots of white with black pupils. Underneath a high-gloss finish, the item exhibits excellent craftsmanship characteristic of Nuutajärvi glassworks. In terms of condition, the glass appears to be in excellent vintage state with a reflective surface and no visible chips or cracks. There is a slight patina of minor surface scratches on the base consistent with its age as a mid-to-late 20th-century collectible. While a maker's mark isn't visible in this angle, such pieces typically bear an etched signature 'O. Toikka Iittala' or 'Nuutajärvi' on the bottom.