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.
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