It Was Launched In Japan — The Limited-Edition Le Creuset Pattern That's Hard To Find Today

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Certain kitchenware brands are so iconic that if you find them at a thrift store, yard sale, or an estate sale, you'd pick them up immediately. These are brands that are synonymous with quality, durability, and having an heirloom aesthetic. One brand that has stood the test of time, since 1925, is Le Creuset. Since the brand's introduction, they have provided customers with high quality enameled cast iron that features bold colors and collectible designs. And there are certain pieces of Le Creuset that you would be lucky to find secondhand, including pieces from the Japanese Flower Collection. In this line, Le Creuset Japan gave collectors the Cherry Blossom/Sakura pattern.

Released in 2016 to honor Le Creuset Japan's 25 year anniversary, this collection featured a cherry blossom print and sculptural pieces – some of the dishes even shaped like a flower. This collection featured covered casserole dishes, a small pot, a tea set, and floral dishes. And to fit in with the theme, these pieces came in shades of pink and white with the pots even having flower-shaped knobs. 

While this was a Japan exclusive, you can still find some on the secondhand market. However, even a single piece can be expensive, as a single, white Dutch oven has been listed on eBay for $649, while a smaller version of the same Dutch oven sold for $385. Plus, a set of two mugs from the collection is as much as $307. This is truly one of the Le Creuset lines that we want in our homes.

If you're looking for one of the best holy grail thrift store finds, the Le Creuset Sakura collection could be a contender when taking into account the resale value online. There are certain things you'll want to be on the lookout for if you do stumble across one of these pieces in the wild. Always check for the markings confirming that your Le Creuset is authentic. Even though the Sakura collection was released in Japan, look for the 'Made in France' markings on the cookware, which will be on the base of the pieces, as well as the underside of pot lids. Plates and other dishware may have 'Made in China' stickers on them or simply the brand name engraved into the base. Cookware will also have the size engraved into the bottom. And if you're lucky enough to come across pieces with the original stickers on them, they will have the Sakura name listed.

Le Creuset's Sakura collection is much more likely to be found online from resellers who have already done the work of identifying what they have, but you'll still want to determine what condition the pieces are in. You'll want to make sure that the enamel doesn't have any chips or cracks in it, particularly on the interior of cookware, and the actual cast iron should not have any cracks either. Both of these issues can not only reduce the value of the pieces, but also how they can be used in the kitchen. However, with the Sakura line, the aesthetics alone make these a great decorative piece even with some damage.