Sunday, March 13, 2011

Teak Bird: Mid Century Modern? Danish?

I picked up this great teak bird at a church basement a few weeks ago. I saw it perched on a shelf and it caught my attention right away with its plain expression, round body, and the delicate way it was attached to its pedestal.


I had read about the amazing Kristian Vedel birds designed in 1959 by the Danish architect, and wondered if this little guy was related in any way. Official reproductions of the Vedel birds are now sold in places like the Museum of Modern Art, but this doesn't appear to be one.


I think what is common between the Vedel birds and this piece are their charming lack of expression. It just looks like a curious little bird with a slanted head and big eyes. The eyes are actually made of a stone type material, and unfortunately my piece has a chip out of its right eye. I guess this contributed to the low price I paid of 50¢.


While trying to do some research on this piece, I noticed that some MCM Danish teak pieces have a hole for holding pencils or manicure tools. As you can see on the rear of this piece, it has one too.


I searched in vain for quite some time, but I was delighted to find that a flickr user from Switzerland had come upon a pair of these exact same birds! It was in fact this person who had identified the birds as possibly Mid Century Modern and Made in Denmark. We communicated about our mystery on hand, but have been unable to find more information.


If you know anything about this bird or can provide any insight, it would be greatly appreciated! Oddly enough, this has become one of my favourite thrifted finds. There are just so many angles from which to look at it, and it is a piece worth admiring.

I'll leave you with just one more close up, in case you are loving it as much as I am.  =)


Linking up to Thrift Share Monday and Ana's Friday Archive Dive!

11 comments:

  1. Oh he's lovely! Sorry, no light to shed on his provenance but I can see why you like him.

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  2. Lucky you, I absolutely LOVE your little bird.
    I'm going to explore your blog some more...I've just spotted something about Charlie Brown - I love Charlie Brown! Can't wait to have a look!

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  3. I adore him- such a friendly looking chap xx

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  4. I have no idea who he is or where he's from, but I LOVE him. You're right, this is a great thrifted find. Sometimes the mystery pieces are the best.

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  5. He is absolutely adorable. I love MCM wood creatures and this one is to die for!

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  6. I'm so glad you all like him too! I was starting to feel a bit nutty taking so many pictures and waxing poetic...

    By the way, the Vedel birds that are similarly charming sell for $80! I'm so glad I was able to purchase this for fifty cents.

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  7. I unfortunately have no info for you but I too collect little Danish MCM wood creatures (I have a pig, cat and 2 dogs). The pig has little holes all over it for tooth picks!

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  8. Very cute! Definitely looks Danish.

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  9. He is such a cute little guy! Love it!

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  10. Hello from Ana's Archive Dive ~ that is a sweet little birdie...the eyes are so expressive...sorry I do not have any further clues
    I think it is nice that you "rescued" it
    oxo

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  11. what a curious little bird! i get the mid-century vibe, and the teak reminds of those lovely things made in denmark... i don't know more about it though. i wonder if you've learned any more since writing this post earlier this year.

    thanks for sharing!

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