The company has a long list of renowned designers: Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto, Göran Hongell, Erkki Vesanto, Tapio Wirkkala, Kaj Franck, Timo Sarpaneva, Valto Kokko, Jorma Vennola, Oiva Toikka, Markku Salo, Heikki Orvola, Kerttu Nurminen, Harri Koskinen, Annaleena Hakatie, Alfredo Häberli and many others.
(from www.Iittala.fi)

Of the particular artists, there are four that are particularly known and highly collected:

• Tapio Wirkkala
• Oiva Toikka
• Timo Sarpaneva
• Alvar Aalto
  

III.  Categories

There are  4  primary categories of Iittala products:

1.  Glassware
2.  Decorative objects
3.  Limited edition decorative objects
4.  Modern kitchenware and tableware

1.  Glassware

Iittala tableware /glassware is its primary claim to fame and what is is most know for.   Grouped by pattern, they include everything from wine glasses and water glasses to plates, serving bowls and dessert items.  Often candle sticks and other decorative objects are manufactured to match the set.

A good example of Iittala glassware is the pattern "Ultima Thule".  Manufactured for a number of years, the original designs were created by sought after Iittala artist Tapio Wirkkala.  Primarily considered a more special occasion glassware, a number of Ultima Thule items are often available on eBay, as well as bought new from merchants of Finnish products.  With a look somewhat like icicles, it is a comnon staple in Finnish households.

Other patterns reflect a more modern, minimalist sensibility, such as Tapio (a pattern created by and named after Tapio Wirkkala) which is know for it's signature bubble in the bottom of the glass, a technique he perfected in glass blowing to get that exact look.

There are a wide variety of other patterns available in the Iittala collections, some originally designed in the '40s and '50s but still manufactured in modern times and others brand new designs by newer Finnish glass designers following in their predecessors footsteps.   

2.  Decorative Objects

Another area of manufacture of Iittala products are decorative objects, primiarily for the home.   They include candlesticks, objects d'arte, vases, Christmas decorations and the like.

Some of the more common include:

• Candlesticks :  often of modern flair and varying colors, their beauty is in their simplicity and their use of color and light in the glass.

• Vases :  Iitala produces a wide variety of vases in their line.  Some are designed to coordinate with tableware and other glassware, others are fine art objects that are extremely collectible.  Limited edition glassware items are discussed below, but modern manufactured vases again reflect the beauty, simplicity and modern design style of Iittala glassware.

           One of the most common vases is the Alvar Aalto vase.  Distinctive in its flowing, unsymmetrical structure, older Aalto vases are extremely
          collectible.  Modern Aalto vases are manufactured as well and beautifully showcase floral arrangements in a distinctive style.

3.  Limited Edition Decorative Objects

One area of Iittala that is particularly sought after by collectors are the limited edition decorative objects.  Those fall into two particular categories:  Toikka Birds and Signed Collectibles.

• Toikka Birds  - Toikka birds are hand-blown glass birds created by Iittala designer Oiva Toikka.  Highly varied in style and design, they represent both natural and character birds, as well as bird eggs.  A limited number of each bird is produced each year, making them beautiful and highly collectible Iittala items

• Signed Collectibles - Iittala's signed collectibles are perhaps the most collectible and highly sought after part of the Iittala glassware line.  High quality glass and crystal individually signed by the artists such as Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneeva, these are hand blown works of art and, often, irreplaceable.    Examples from eBay include: 
  
• Timo Sarpaneva  signed amethyst carafe

• Tapio Wirkkala signed vase
  

4. Modern Kitchen and Tableware

A wide variety of Iittala kitchen items are available.  Not many have made it to eBay, though many are available through merchants providing Finnish merchandise, such as MemoriesofFinland dot com. 

IV.  Collecting and Searching on Ebay

Ebay is a fantastic way to begin your Iittala search or continue to search for previous styles and patterns.  Whether it's collecting Iittala shot glasses or Christmas ornaments or adding to your current glassware or looking for art objects, Ebay is the first stop in purchasing Iittala.

Marks
Most Iittala products are marked with the distinctive red circle with an "i" sticker, particularly if new.  Alterantely, they may be inscribed "Iittala" or with the artist's name, as in the case of the art glass above.  However, often people remove the stickers, making the Iittala difficult to identify if it's an unknown or unusual pattern.  In general, DO NOT REMOVE THE "I" STICKERS FROM YOUR IITTALA ITEMS.  Although you may think that it makes them more attractive, it could in the long run decrease the actual value of the piece.  Removing the sticker makes them less identifiable, so keep the stickers on unless absolutly necessary.

Searching:
Because of the unusual nature of the spelling, it's recommended that you search for "(iittala,ittala,iittala)" when you search on eBay.   There is a category specifically devoted to Scandinavian Glass on eBay which is a great place to start.  It will include glass by Arabia, Nutajarvi and other Finnish makers, but primarily Iittala items will be listed.

And finally, ENJOY!  These are beautiful items that are meant to be looked, used and appreciated.