Oiva Toikka 'Marsh Duck'

A fantastic example of an Oiva Toikka Bird by the Nuutajärvi Glassworks, Finland. 

Oiva Toikka is arguably most famous for an extensive and popular series of glass birds he designed for Nuutajärvi Glassworksover a 40 year period, most of which were inspired by real species of bird found in the wild. This bird, specifically a Marsh Duck, was made by a master glassblower in 1991. Unusually, its body has been blown using Neodymium / Alexandrite glass.

Due to the presence of Neodymium oxide in the glass, the duck changes colour in different lighting conditions. It appears lilac (or sometimes pink) in natural sunlight or incandescent light, and smoky blue in fluorescent or white light. With this feature being self-regulating, it would act as an extra, hidden, surprise for someone who receives this collectible as a gift.