Occupied Japan Figurines: Valuable Mementos Of War

Occupied Japan figurines are valuable collectibles that serve as a reminder of the aftermath of World War II. During the Allied occupation of Japan, millions of these figurines were produced and sold as souvenirs to GIs. These figurines are marked with 'Occupied Japan' or 'Made in Occupied Japan' and are highly sought after by collectors.

Evaluating the condition, subject matter, size, age, and rarity of these figurines is important in determining their value. The most valuable figurines include porcelain lady heads, bisque Victorian man and woman figurines, colonial couple figurines, kitty cat figurines, American style lady figurines, and pixie elf figurines, with Satsuma-made porcelain lady heads being the most valuable.

However, buyers should be cautious of fraud and ensure the mark is genuine. These figurines are not only valuable collectibles but also serve as a reminder of the devastation and healing that occurred in Japan after World War II.

History and Significance

The history and significance of occupied Japan figurines is reflected in their production and sale as souvenirs to Allied troops during the occupation. Millions of these figurines were produced and sold, with the mark 'Occupied Japan' or 'Made in Occupied Japan' indicating their origin. These figurines served as a reminder of the occupation and the devastation of war, and were a way for soldiers to bring a piece of Japan back home with them.

Today, the value of occupied Japan figurines is determined by factors such as condition, subject matter, age, and rarity. Rare figurines can sell for $120-$150, with porcelain lady heads made by Satsuma being the most valuable. Bisque Victorian man and woman figurines made in 1945 and colonial couple figurines are also highly sought after. Popular subjects include animals, especially cats, and Japanese folklore creatures.

Buyers should be cautious of fraud and ensure that the mark is genuine, as the lack of a mark means no value.

Factors Affecting Value

Factors such as condition, subject matter, size, age, and rarity play a significant role in determining the worth of these items. In terms of condition, figurines in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs will fetch a higher price. Subject matter also affects value, with certain themes like animals or Japanese folklore creatures being more popular than others. Size can also play a part, as larger figurines tend to be more valuable than smaller ones. Age is another important factor, with figurines from the early years of the occupation being more sought after than those from later years. Finally, rarity is a crucial aspect in determining value, with rare figurines commanding much higher prices than common ones.

To better understand how these factors affect the value of occupied Japan figurines, we can look at the following table:

Factor	Impact on Value
Condition	Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs will fetch a higher price.
Subject Matter	Certain themes like animals or Japanese folklore creatures are more popular than others.
Size	Larger figurines tend to be more valuable than smaller ones.
Age	Figurines from the early years of the occupation are more sought after than those from later years.
Rarity	Rare figurines command much higher prices than common ones.

By evaluating these factors, collectors and buyers can make informed decisions about the value of occupied Japan figurines and ensure they are getting a fair price for their purchase.

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Cautions and Tips for Buyers

Buyers should exercise caution when purchasing Occupied Japan figurines. Due to their popularity and potential value, there are many fraudulent sellers who may try to pass off fake or replica items as authentic. To ensure the authenticity of the mark, buyers should consider the following tips:

1. Research the mark: Before making a purchase, buyers should research what the genuine mark looks like and where it should be located on the figurine. This will help them identify any fake or replica items that may have a different or incorrect mark.

2. Inspect the item: Buyers should carefully inspect the figurine for any signs of wear or damage that may indicate it is not authentic. They should also check the mark to ensure it is not faded or altered in any way.

3. Look for documentation: If possible, buyers should look for documentation that confirms the authenticity of the figurine. This may include certificates of authenticity or letters of provenance from previous owners.

4. Purchase from reputable sellers: To minimize the risk of buying a fake or replica item, buyers should purchase from reputable sellers with a proven track record of selling authentic Occupied Japan figurines.

By following these tips, buyers can ensure they are purchasing a genuine and valuable memento of war, rather than a fake or replica item.