Where do you find the value of lusterware?

Answer 1

The most popular guide to valuing lusterware is Collector's Guide to Made in Japan Ceramics by Carole Bess White. Every few years, she publishes an updated volumn of this series. There are other guidebooks available with similar names.

You can also search for your piece on Ebay to find what it is selling for. Japanese lusterware was often hand-painted, so each piece is unique. You may have to estimate the value by what similar pieces are selling for. The value depends on how common or rare your piece is, and the condition it is in.

Lusterware wasn't only made in Japan. You can find it from England, Germany and the Middle East. Before the 1920's, pieces might not have a mark to tell you what country they came from. If you have a really old, hand-made piece, you may want to get it appraised. Lusterware less than 100 years old is not antique and not very valuable, since it was mass-produced. You can still find pieces for as low as a dollar at thrift stores and flea markets.