In design, imitation often leads to innovation. Trying to recreate something you’ve seen others make can take some out-of-the-box thinking to find substitutes for inaccessible materials or fill in the gaps of unknown steps. Antique furniture is filled with examples, especially when foreign influence is involved.

By the 18th century, trade with East Asia brought new ideas for furniture, like the use of bamboo and lacquer, to Europe, and subsequently to America. Inspired by these new styles, and motivated by the need for inexpensive accessible versions, Western artisans created imitation bamboo from hardwoods like maple and learned to mimic lacquer finishes with layers of paint or varnish.

It is well known that Commodore Perry’s visit to Japan in 1853, and then a Japanese exhibit at the Centennial Exposition of 1876, had enormous influence on European and American decorative arts. Decorated bamboo furniture like the stand pictured here became popular in the 19th century. Flat surfaces were often painted or decoupaged with designs reminiscent of East Asian lacquer.

At the time, these pieces would have been inexpensive versions of pricey imported furniture. Now, they can be worth more than expected. This stand sold at Copake Auction Inc. for $312, more than triple its high presale estimate of $75.

Q: I have acquired a 1930s Wade Heath Musical Pottery Jug of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf. I am urgently trying to find a replacement for the music box, which has disappeared — it fits underneath the base of the jug. The tune is “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?” I really am keen to have a complete jug and am appealing to you to possibly point me in the right direction.

A: Disney released the animated short “Three Little Pigs” in 1933. It was an immediate hit. Depression-era audiences loved the theme song “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?” and the short won an Academy Award in 1934. Unsurprisingly, Disney released plenty of merchandise for the film, including the licensed pottery pieces made by English company Wade Heath (also spelled as “Wadeheath). It is rare to find a Wade Heath Three Little Pigs jug with the music box in working condition. An auction house or gallery that specializes in pop culture collectibles, like Hake’s (hakes.com) or Van Eaton Galleries (vegalleries.com), or a Disneyana collector’s club may be able to help you. Remember that anything involving restoring a music box requires an expert. You may want to check The Music Box Society International (mbsi.org) for further advice or resources in your area. Some clockmakers and repairers also work with music boxes.

Q: I have a collection of Avon’s Cape Cod dishes and am wondering if you can lead me to someone interested in buying my collection. We have to downsize at this time of our lives.

A: The California Perfume Company changed its name to Avon in 1929. In 1975, Avon introduced the 1876 Cape Cod Collection of glass dinnerware, made by Wheaton Glass Company and inspired by early Sandwich glass patterns. Glassware like this sells at general antiques shows, glass shows or online. A glass collectors’ club like the National American Glass Club (glassclub.org) or the National Depression Glass Association (ndga.net) may have more selling advice and resources. You may also want to contact a matching service like Replacements LTD, Classic Replacements or Missing Pieces. They buy and sell individual pieces of china and glassware in discontinued patterns.

Q: I have my mother’s Roger’s Silver service set. She won it in a drawing at Alf’s Drug Store (a Walgreens) in Worthington, Minnesota, sometime in the 1960s. It is in beautiful shape and I have no intention of getting rid of it. My question: Is there any benefit to keeping the boxes it was shipped to the store in?

A: We think there is. Original packaging helps authenticate any antique and always increases its value. It is part of the item’s history. There are even some collectors who buy empty boxes. There is an entire field of collecting ephemera-things that are meant to be discarded, usually paper, like packaging, labels, envelopes and tickets. The boxes, and your silver set’s history, may also interest collectors of antique advertising. Dinnerware, silverware and even furniture have been used as advertising premiums. Collectors’ clubs like The Ephemera Society of America (ephemerasociety.org) or the Antique Advertising Association of America (pastimes.org) have more information about collecting and valuing ephemera and advertising.

TIP: Veneered furniture should not be placed near steam radiators, open windows, or groups of potted plants. The veneer will eventually “bubble” from the moisture.

Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product.