Thomas (Tommy) Kakinuma
Title: ” Important Studio Pottery Bird Family Vignette (Three-Piece Set) ”
Size: ( Approximate ) Parent: 7 ¼” high x 8 ¼” long x 8” wing-to-wing | Chick #1: 5 ⅜” high x 7 ¼” long | Chick #2: 5 ⅝” high x 6 ¾” long
Price: $650.00 Canadian
Circa: 1960s
Markings: Hand-incised “TK” studio monograms and sequential vintage gallery inventory labels to the unglazed bases.
An exceptional, beautifully cohesive three-piece collection of stylized ceramic birds from the 1960s by acclaimed Japanese-Canadian modernist potter Thomas (Tommy) Kakinuma (1908–1982). Crafted during his peak years in Vancouver, British Columbia, this family vignette represents a rare survival of a complete multi-size studio grouping.
Featuring Kakinuma’s celebrated minimalist profiles, the pieces contrast an earthy, heavily textured unglazed clay body with a masterful, soft blue-green and cream glaze pool across the backs. Each piece showcases his distinct, hand-incised “TK” studio monogram alongside matching historic “KWS” gallery inventory paper labels on the underside.
Agnatic Period Attribution & Stylistic Merits
This 1960s trio defines Kakinuma’s peak West Coast period through its unified, nested design, blending raw, gritty stoneware with vibrant glaze, and displaying his signature crisp, hand-carved geometric details.
Condition: Vintage – Restored Display Condition:
Small Chick #1 no damage
Small Chick #2 wing tip repaired as shown
Parent wing repaired as shown
• Glaze: Excellent preservation; rich, pooling blue-green and cream glaze with natural firing variations.
• Surface: Deeply defined hand-carved graphic wing outlines and pristine incised details.
• Structure: Offered as a complete, curated family set. Pricing is adjusted to reflect stable, historical repairs. While individual repairs (clean regluing on the parent, minor fix on one chick) are visible upon close inspection, the trio maintains exceptional display presence and sculptural integrity.