Description: This is an original signed Takahashi robin brooch. It is signed with the KT initials. This is said to be made pre 1970s. Read below for more on the history of Takahashi pins, specifically the signed timeline. This bird is a robin. It has reds, turquoise, blacks, whites, yellows. Each bird is hand crafted and painted; therefore, each pin is unique. The legs are made from twisted copper wire and the branch is wood. The back of the brooch is signed (K.T.). The pins in the back are push pins. The pin measures 2 in. x 1 in. This pin is in excellent condition. The Takahashi family were among many Japanese-Americans confined in Poston Camp, AZ after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.While in the camp, they participated in a craft class where they learned to carve and paint small birds and after release (3 1/2 years later) they turned this craft into a family business that continued for 40 years.Yoneguma carved the birds out of white holly wood, starting with a jig saw, then smoothing and sanding the bird. When done, Kiyoka painted the birds (using an Audubon bird book for reference) with watercolors using fine camel hair brushes. 10 coats of lacquer were then applied.A good day's production was 10 birds. The birds were mostly sold via word of mouth, though a couple of department stores (such as Gump's) carried them. Production was mostly lapel pins, but earrings were also made. Initially more than 100 species were made, both male and female, but eventually about 25 different birds were offered regularly for sale.Some birds created before the 1970s have the initials K.T.; after 1970, the initials K&Y.T. with the date appear. Some are dated without initials.There were copies made in the 1970s; these can most easily be identified by the manner in which the pin was attached. The Takahashi birds use small push pins while the repro pin backs are screwed into the wood.
Price: 425 USD
Location: Sacramento, California
End Time: 2024-08-13T04:37:14.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: Takahashi
Color: Black
Vintage: Yes
Antique: No
Customized: No
Handmade: Yes
Material: Wood
Signed: Yes
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Original/Reproduction: Original
Country of Origin: United States
Shape: bird
Item Length: 2 in.
Theme: Birds
Type: Pin
Occasion: Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas, Engagement, Father's Day, Graduation, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Wedding
Year Manufactured: 1960-1969
