Noritake: Japanese Fine Porcelain & Dinnerware
Noritake is one of Japan's most prominent porcelain manufacturers, founded in 1904 in Nagoya by the Morimura Brothers as Nippon Toki Kaisha (Japan Ceramics Company). The company initially produced hand-painted export porcelain for Western markets and evolved into one of the world's largest producers of fine dinnerware. For collectors, the most desirable Noritake pieces date from the early hand-painted era (1904-1940s), particularly the Art Deco period, when the factory produced strikingly modern designs alongside traditional floral patterns.
Identification & Marks
Noritake has used numerous backstamps over its history, which serve as the primary dating tool:
- Morimura Brothers mark (pre-1904): "M" in wreath with "Nippon" -- predates the Noritake brand name
- Green M-in-Wreath with "Noritake/Hand Painted/Made in Japan": Early Noritake mark, 1908-1920s
- Red M-in-Wreath: Used on higher-quality pieces, particularly Art Deco era
- Komaru mark: A stylized tree/leaf symbol used from the 1930s onward
- "Noritake China/Japan": Post-WWII mark (post-1947)
- "Rose China" and "RC" marks: Used on specific product lines
- Sri Lanka production: Some modern Noritake is made in Sri Lanka, marked accordingly
Types & Collecting Areas
- Art Deco pieces (1920s-1930s): The most collected period; featuring bold geometric designs, lustre finishes, stylized florals, and figural handles in vivid colors
- Azalea pattern: One of the most popular patterns, sold through the Larkin Company as premiums; over 100 different pieces were produced
- Tree-in-the-Meadow: A widely collected scenic pattern showing a cottage and tree
- Dinnerware patterns: Thousands of patterns produced from the 1950s onward; some discontinued patterns are actively sought
- Figural pieces: Art Deco lady figures, animal-form pieces, and novelty items
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Deco lustre vase | $50 | $200 | $600 |
| Art Deco figural piece | $75 | $300 | $1,000 |
| Azalea pattern teapot | $30 | $80 | $200 |
| Azalea pattern rare form | $50 | $200 | $800 |
| Tree-in-the-Meadow tea set | $40 | $120 | $350 |
| Dinnerware place setting (modern) | $10 | $30 | $75 |
| Hand-painted scenic platter (early) | $40 | $125 | $400 |
Condition Factors
- Gold and lustre decoration is fragile; rubbing and wear significantly reduce value on Art Deco pieces
- Crazing in early glazes is common and modestly affects value
- Dinnerware should be checked for knife marks, utensil scratches, and microwave damage on newer pieces
- Figural handles and finials are prone to breakage; check for repairs
- Art Deco pieces with intact lustre finishes in vibrant condition command the strongest premiums
Collecting Tips
- Art Deco period Noritake is the most actively collected and has the strongest market; focus on pieces with bold designs and figural elements
- The Azalea pattern is extensively documented with over 100 forms known; collectors pursue completeness
- Backstamp identification is essential -- the Joan Van Patten reference books document all known marks with date ranges
- Post-war dinner patterns can often be found inexpensively at estate sales, making pattern matching and replacement a large secondary market
- Lustre-finished pieces in orange, blue, and gold are particularly popular with Art Deco collectors
- Japanese-market Noritake (marked in Japanese characters) is a separate, less-explored collecting area with growing interest