A good egg

Question: I have an egg-shaped music box I think is porcelain. The top is painted and it has Japanese writing on the bottom and a small "stamp" that looks like a bird or a bee. I know it was brought back from Japan while my great-grandfather was in the service, but that is all I really know about it. Someone told me I better have it appraised. So I am looking for someone who maybe specializes in that sort of stuff. Or even just someone that can tell me what it is. -- Spring Dennis

Answer: Your best bet would be to follow your friend's advice and get an expert opinion. I don't know a lot about porcelain, and unfortunately I don't have anything that shows the mark you describe. Your music box sounds like a beautiful family treasure. Good luck.