Cardinal pin is a vintage unsigned Takahashi style bird pin. It is in Near Mint condition and measures approximately 3 x 1-1/2".
The original Takahashi bird pins were made in the 1940s by Yoneguma and Kiyoka Takahashi in an internment camp after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Their craft developed into a forty year family business. A collection of their work is now held in the Japanese American Museum attesting to their artistry. The original Takahashi bird pins were sold in fine department stores like Gumps through the 1980s. In the 1970s, the birds were beautifully copied.
It seems that the only way in which unsigned pieces can easily be differentiated from originals at present is the use of screws rather than push pins to affix the pin assembly to the bird. Since the bird pin we are offering has screws, we are attributing this as a reproduction from the 1970s although the beauty and artistry of this hand painted and carved creation with a myriad of colors and shiny overcoat (the originals are said to have had ten clear overcoats) are pristine.
This Takahashi style bird pin has twisted copper legs over a bamboo branch and has a safety closure. The pin is affixed to the carving with tiny screws. This is one of four that came from an estate where the pins were put away in a hard-covered box and appear never to have been worn or disturbed in any way. The detail, condition and beauty of this little wearable Takahashi style bird is simply amazing. (#24991-TakahashiStyleBirdPin4) To order this Takahashi Style Bird Pin, just click on the blue shopping cart button to the left of the picture, or email us at:
Adon13@aol.com or telephone us at 773-929-9007 or fax us at 773-525-1920.
Click here to see our other Takahashi Style Bird Pins!
