The top ten list for March reflects the enormous interest of collectors in all things Asian. Satsuma (No. 3), Netsuke (No. 8), and Imari (No. 9) reflect this market change. There have been numerous auctions of Chinese, Japanese and Korean decorative art and prices have often been well over estimates. Much of the bidding is by overseas buyers. There are even some strange cases of record-priced items that were never paid for. (See Kovels Komments, March 16, 2011)

This Japanese cloisonne cigarette case sold at a recent Aspire auction. Estimated price—$300-$500. Actual selling price—$23,012.

Occupied Japan has appeared at the top of our list for months, possibly because it's inexpensive and sells in flea markets and shops not often included in published price lists. Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2011 lists 17 Occupied Japan pieces; Kovels' 2012 book, out in August, has over 20. The free online price guide at Kovels.com lists over 700!

The complete Top 10 for March 2011:

1. Occupied Japan
2. Coca-Cola
3. Satsuma
4. Copeland Spode
5. Capo-Di-Monte
6. Royal Bayreuth
7. Cookie Jars
8. Netsukes
9. Imari
10. Amber Glass

The list of top searches serves as an indicator of which items are particularly popular among collectors. Search for more prices in the most accurate antiques price guide online—the free online price guide at Kovels.com—and in our newest book, Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide 2011.

Ran on April 5, 2011