Satsuma pottery easy to identify

Satsuma, a city in Japan, has a special meaning to collectors. An easy-to-identify, cream-colored pottery with a crackle glaze and intricate decoration is also called "Satsuma."

The vases picture detailed Japanese landscapes and people and have brocadelike backgrounds and edges. Warriors and gods often are shown. The inside as well as the outside of bowls have similar overall decorations. Colors used were beige, green and other muted shades, often with added gold decoration.

Styles changed about 1918 to 1930, when art-nouveau and art-deco designs -- especially pictures of irises -- became popular. After 1930, pieces had fewer delicate decorations, larger figures, darker colors and added black accents.

"Monumental" vases are especially popular today. These are vases more than 18 inches high. They're large enough to look as if they belong on the floor.

Q: Could you please tell me when an item is considered an antique? I always thought it was at 75 years, but someone told me it's 100.

A: The U.S. government's definition of an antique is that it must be at least 100 years old. The government uses the definition to determine the duty on imported items. There are different rules for firearms and cars.

Many collectors use the word "antique" to refer to "old" things, no matter how old they are. Others say an antique is about 75 years old. The word "collectible" covers everything else.

Tip: Missing part of a jigsaw puzzle? Make a color photocopy of the picture of the puzzle on the box. Enlarge or shrink the copy to exactly the size of the puzzle. Then cut it to make the missing piece. It will be an almost perfect match.

Ralph and Terry Kovel's column is syndicated by King Features. Write to: Kovels, (Las Vegas Review-Journal), King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019.