Japan's Taisho Period inspired urns
Q. I am enclosing a photo of two "cookie jars" or urns that have been in my family for over 60 years. I recently read your column featuring Satsuma vases, and mine are similar to those. My urns both have the same design, are in excellent condition, and they are marked in blue with the words "Made in Japan."
Anything you can tell me about them would be very helpful and appreciated.
A. Satsuma ware has been made in Japan since the 1600s. Your cookie jars/urns are a Satsuma Style that was made in the 20th century. The chocolate background, figures with halos and raised enamels were all inspired by the Taisho Period, which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Most examples of Satsuma seen today were made after the mid-1800s. Pieces that were marked "Made in Japan" were usually made after 1921.
Your Satsuma Style cookie jars/urns would probably be worth $75 to $100 each.
Q. I have a bronze paperweight from Luchow's Restaurant that I have had since 1957. I enclosed the name that I have drawn that is seen at the top of the paperweight. The design is in relief, and the name "Luchow's" is above a stein that is flanked on each side by an elk. Below the stein is a bunch of grapes and leaves. The overall measurements are 3 inches tall and 2 3/4 inches wide. It is marked "Medallic Art Company, NYC."
Is it worth anything?
A. Luchow's Restaurant was located in New York City. It was founded by German immigrant August Luchow in 1882. He began as the bartender, and with a loan from Steinway, of piano fame, he bought the restaurant. It became famous for not only its German food and beer, but for the celebrities and politicians who dined there. The restaurant was located in an area that was close to Tammany Hall, Steinway Hall and The Academy of Music. Entertainers and VIPs that frequented Luchow's included Diamond Jim Brady, Lily Tomlin, Cole Porter, Richard Nixon and David Bowie. The Medallic Art Company was a well-known foundry that made bronze sculpture. Luchow's closed in 1986.
The paperweight was not made in large quantities and would appeal to people in New York City. A collector might pay anywhere from $75 to $150.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
© 2015, Creators.com