I began studying and collecting Japanese Lusterware for my darling grand-daughter as it would be 100 or more years old when she turns 30 and she would know that she was in my heart and my thoughts constantly over the years.  She lives a very long way away, and her mother and I are, what you might call unfortunately estranged as I love my daughter dearly and think of her throughout every single day.

Anyway, the Lusterware was something delicate yet strong and beautiful like love, especially the love one feels for a child or a grandchild. And like love, there are many colors, shapes and designs.  I believe love comes in as many forms as there are people to love and people who love, like Lusterware is different for each artist, company and cycle through thier lives or the times they do business. 

Lusterware can be so fragile that you can see your hand through it (like fine Japanese porcelain - and yes that is spelled porcelain not porcelin as so many like to misspell it but don't ge me started on spelling) and yet Lusterware can also be so strong that it can survive high temperatures in the oven like Anchor-Hocking/Fire King Lusterware.

Every piece I buy or receive for resale on ebay puts me through a myriad of emotions.  I want to keep every single piece and have to talk myself out of keeping it.  I have to constantly talk myself through it, everytime I see my listings, pictures, handle a piece, or ship one out (which breaks my heart).  to close, I guess you could say that I want to cling to the china like I would like to hold my daughter and granddaughter and protect them from pain and broken hearts or just from the world in general.

Anyway, these are my opening thoughts on Lusterware (or Luster Ware or Lustre ware if you like since all are correct).  What are your thoughts about this china (or glass in the Anchor-Hocking/Fire King versions)?

Carla