Are these Takahashi Birds?

[Lois Golden]

I bought these from an Estate sale and they did not know what they were.

I bought them because I thought they were so unusual and so lovely, but were definitely a one of a kind item.

Several months later I did see some information in the Costume Jewelry Book 303 which shows the same style of safety pin back that are in the pins I purchased. I do think my birds look much more crude than the ones I see in the book and am wondering if the early, early pieces were as highly lacquered or intricate?

My piece are not high lacquered. They do have the wire feet and they do have a very unique safety pin back with the wood piece back inside the pin area.

Can you help guide me and tell me where I should go to find out if these are true Takahashi birds?

Thank you for your help on this.

Lois Golden

 

[cmpollack]

Here's a beautiful album of Takahashi birds:

http://imageevent.com/bluboi/takahashi

I'm not at all familiar with this item, so maybe a Takahashi maven will come along! But according to what Cathy Gordon says, the pin back on your is correct.

Also, she says there is now a collector's book on these; perhaps check your local library for it?

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

those are incredible, Lois, I can understand why you selected them! i am not familiar with them either, but they are remarkable!

 

[BonniesVintageClothesLine]

There are lots of birds that aren't Takahashi and they are quite well done. The real birds are supposed to have small push pin attachments....not screws and will have a very shiny lacquer finish, but apparently some that are not the real deal have these same attributes. I have one authentic bird and one that was done in the style....both look good! I'm not an expert on these little beauties, but admire their intricate painting and the story behind them. Your birds are interesting, indeed, but the beaks don't appear to be quite as sharp as the authentic birds...and, as you mentioned, your birds are somewhat crude and not painted in the detailed style of Takahashi, so I am a little unsure if these are authentic. Again, this info from a non-expert!!

 

[morning-glorious]

Hi! They don't look like the Takahashi birds that were sold commercially after WW II, but they could possibly be the early ones that the Takahashis made in the internment camp.

Their granddaughter Carol can verify them. This is her website:

http://www.takahashibirds.com/

Jen

 

[Lois Golden]

Thanks all for your help.
I did contact their granddaughter, Carol and she confirmed they are NOT her grandparent's birds. She was fabulous and responded back in less that 4 hours.

She said many people in the internment camps did this style of bird.

Unfortunately not Takahashi, but still a very interesting part of US history.

Lois Golden
Waldport Vintage

 

[cmpollack]

not Takahashi, but still a very interesting part of US history.

Absolutely!