CONDITION
Price guides can be a useful tool if you are considering selling Made In Japan collectibles. But, the prices are not set in stone. Prices vary according to different parts of the country, condition, age, rarity, and supply and demand. Condition should be a major consideration. Alway purchase the best example you can afford. Cracks and breaks will always be a crack or break and will definitely influence the value. What might be a valuable piece undamaged will surely be worth nothing if damaged. If you are a collector, and not purchasing Made in Japan pieces for selling; considering condition is important, but sentimentality is also a factor. Most Made in Japan pieces are quite affordable.
DISPLAY & CARE
Displaying your collection is the most rewarding part of collecting. There are numerous way to dis- play: shelves, display cases, or what-not shelves. If you use shelves, use a glass shelf; they tend to show better. Display cases work well since they are enclosed and does not collect dust as readily. What-not shelves are usually wood and are nice for display also. All are fairly easy to find and not expensiive. Usually one can find shelves easily at garage or estate sales. A lot of times dealers going out of business sell their display cases in the local newspapers.
CARE OF YOUR COLLECTION
If your collection is not enclosed in some type of enclosed case or cabinet, it will probably be necessary to clean them frequently. Something we all dread! I have read that you can place them in your diswasher on a "delicate" cycle for the sturdier pieces, but I don't recommend it. The glazes are quite fragile and can be easily rubbed off. Never use harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners. Always use a mild liquid soap and a soft cloth for pieces that are especially dirty with grease or oils from the kitchen. To get in between the small spaces, you can use dental floss. For washing pieces with a lustre glaze do not rub. Instead, pat them dry. Pieces that do not have a glaze are sturdier and can be wiped dry with a soft cloth. For pieces that are merely dusty, I would simply leave them be! But, if you must clean them, I would just rinse them with warm water and dry.
MARKS
The Made in Japan marks greatly vary from size, shape, color, and type. To view some examples of some "Made in Japan" marks and a small explanation of how to determine what the marks mean, go to Marks I hope this has helped you understand what "Made in Japan" collectibles are and how to determine what is old and what is new.