WHAT TO COLLECT NOW: CHINTZ CHINA

If you love ceramics with a sentimental flavor, chintz china is the collectible for you. (Chintz is a Sanskrit word meaning "bright" and "many-colored.") Although chintz patterns appeared on textiles as early as the 17th century, it wasn't until the 1920s that transfer techniques permitted the production of moderately priced earthenware adorned with floral designs. Chintz china was an instant sensation, and has continued to go in and out of favor ever since.

"Chintz china is charming, it's cheerful, and it's pretty," says Wisconsin-based antiques dealer Gail Dickrell, of Wild Goose Chase Antiques in explaining why vintage chintz china is so popular today. "The pieces come in old English shapes that are very attractive."

For a collector starting today, the good news is that you can generally find an individual piece of affordable antique chintz china in just about any antiques shop. However, you'll pay dearly for a complete set in a highly-collectible pattern. Sought-after shapes include teapots, wall pockets, cruet sets, baskets, square plates, compotes, and pedestal pieces. Prices range from $150 for a cup-and-saucer in a less-popular pattern to $750 or more for a compote in a highly-desirable pattern.

The 1920s-1950s chintz china that is most collectible today comes from one of four British manufacturers: Royal Winton, James Kent, Lord Nelson Ware, and Crown Ducal. Popular patterns to collect include:
"Julia" by Royal Winton, a predominantly pink pattern introduced in the late 1930s;
"Welbeck" by Royal Winton, which has a yellow background;
"Stratford" by Royal Winton, which was introduced in the early 1950s;
"Evesham" by Royal Winton, which dates from 1952.