Author Expands On ‘Made In Japan’

BOOK REVIEW

The Collector’s Encyclopedia of Made in Japan Ceramics is a recent release of Collector Books. It is written by Carole Bess White of Portland. She has written four previous books on Made in Japan ceramics, as well as books on lunch boxes and baskets.

This book is the start of a new series, and features many items never before pictured, as well as a few old favorites from the Collector’s Guide to Made in Japan Ceramics series. It also includes several pages of catalog reprints from the 1930s.

Items have been imported from Japan since the middle of the 1800s. The book breaks these items into several periods, following a time line. The Japonisme Era was from the 1860s to 1891. These pieces, such as Imari and Kutani, are not the “Made in Japan” items that collectors usually think of, and which are the subject of this book.

The Nippon era extended from 1891 to 1921. Pieces from this period, marked Nippon, were following a U.S. customs requirement that imports be marked with the country of origin - and this is what the Japanese called their country. Items from this period were usually modeled after Western-style dishes and novelties.

The Early Made in Japan era lasted from 1921 to 1941. Following a change in our customs law, imported pieces now had to be marked with the country of origin in English. The years 1929 - 1939 are considered the “Golden Age” of Made in Japan ceramics. They were colorful, affordable, interesting and creative. Whether it was a striking Art Deco shaker by Noritake or a cute little dog on an ashtray, Americans bought these items by the thousands.

After a break from 1941 to 1945, when there were no imports from Japan, the Occupied Japan era began, and lasted until 1952.

The final era began in 1952 and continues to the present. Styles changed to reflect current trends, but gradually, as Japan’s economy improved dramatically, its production of cheap ceramic items for export decreased, and today very few of the novelty items are made for export to America. Most of the Japanese ceramic imports are dishes, most notably from Mikasa and Noritake.

This is a fun book, featuring primarily the items from the “Golden Age” period. It is well-illustrated with the excellent photography of Les White. A value range is suggested for each item.

The book sells for $24.95 and is available from Collector Books, P.O. Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002. For an autographed copy, contact Carole White at CBESSW@aol.com.

Donna Miller

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A Good Gamble Is The New Chip Guide

BOOK REVIEW

The Official U.S. Casino Chip Price Guide, now in its 3rd edition, is intended to be the definitive work on the subject of collecting and evaluating U.S. casino chips. It covers the real regular issue chips actually used on the tables in all legal, full-service American casino areas with legitimate gaming commissions. The book is written by James Campiglia and Steve Wells and published by Schiffer Publishing.

In most cases, chips are listed only up to the $100 denomination, as $500 and up chips are rarely collected, and only the very  biggest clubs even needed such large denomination. Prototypes and samples are generally not listed, as these were never actually used on the tables.

Casino chips make an interesting collection for several reasons.

They are small. This can be an important consideration when space is an issue, and old pedal cars or Mission furniture just won’t work.

They are colorful. More than just an advertisement for the casino, many are miniature works of art.

Rare chips can be a good investment. The highest recorded price to date is a $100 chip from the Sands, which sold for $39,000. (However, some $1 chips are still just worth $1, so don’t expect immense returns on all chips.

Some helpful ideas are included in the book for beginning “chippers.” The most basic way to start a collection is to walk into a casino and buy some! You won’t get any older chips that way, but you’ll have a start to your collection. Check the internet - thousands of chips change hands each week online. There are specialty shows held each year, the biggest one being the one held at the annual convention of the Casino Chips & Gaming Tokens Collectors Club in Las Vegas. (See the club web site: ccgtcc.com.) And, of course, there are the usual sources for collectibles of all kinds - shops, malls, flea markets, etc.

The Official U.S. Casino Chip Price Guide, 3rd Edition, by Campiglia and Wells is a 2005 Schiffer publication. It is priced at $29.95.

Donna Miller

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Books For Quilters Available

BOOK REVIEW

Quilts old and new - they all are enjoying great popularity today. Collector Books is now distributing a number of books for the American Quilter’s Society, offering patterns and ideas for those who have learned this skill of our ancestors.

Around the World Quilting Designs, by Joyce Mori, offers over 100 patterns   from seven continents of style. The motifs were inspired by an array of sources from 20,000 BC to the 20th century, such as an Egyptian mummy case, marble floors of Venetian churches and Australian aboriginal art. It is priced at $21.95.

Native American Designs • 2, also by Joyce Mori, offers over 100 motifs inspired by American Indian crafts and artwork. The patterns represent a wide range of cultures, plus a bonus wallhanging pattern that features large, open blocks to showcase your favorite designs. The book is priced at $22.95.

Beautiful Quilts as You Go is written by Keryn Emmerson. It starts with the basics - setting up your quilting area and gathering your tools - and gives step-by-step instructions  for using a combination of hand machine stitches for making patchwork quilts and creating quilts from whitework blocks. Forty eight patterns are included. The books sells for $22.95.

Traditional Two Block Quilts, by Sally Saulmon, offers several new patterns with tips for successful block combinations. Over a dozen projects give a contemporary edge to familiar favorites by using different mixes of color and placement. They are suitable for all skill levels, as the blocks are constructed in simple units. The price is $22.95.

Applique Rose Garden, by Faye Labanaris, gives directions for  four quilts, each featuring 12 different block patterns, plus a border pattern for “fancy Roses.” Each quilt represents a specific theme, ranging from informal folk art to a more formal style. Instructions are included for several ways to make bias stems, stuffed roses, and embroidered flower and leaf details. It is priced at $22.95.

Anyone who follows the American Quilter television show will enjoy American Quilter, Behind the Seams, by Jeanna Juleson. It gives an insider’s view of Jeanna’s lifestyle as host of the television show. You will meet the top quiltmakers of today through Jeanna’s exclusive interviews, as they provide insight into their masterpieces, as well as good advice, amusing tidbits on quiltmaking and tips on the tools of the quilting trade. The book sells for $19.95.

All of the above books are available from the American Quilter Society, P.O. Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002 or visit the web site: www.AmericanQuilter.com.

Donna Miller

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