Occupied Japan Noritake: Dinnerware Set Value

Noritake china is highly sought-after by collectors due to its reputation for toughness, quality, and exquisite design. The value of a set of eight pieces of Noritake dinnerware from the Occupied Japan period depends on several factors, including age, rarity, and condition. From 1948 to 1952, Noritake stamps indicated that their tableware was made in Occupied Japan, reflecting the economic difficulties faced by Japanese factories in the aftermath of World War II. During this period, Noritake temporarily ceased using its name, instead marketing its products as Rose China due to an inability to maintain its usual quality standards. As a result, items from this era are particularly rare and collectible. The value of a set would also depend on the specific design and materials used. For instance, a set of four Noritake Rose China dinner plates is available on Amazon for $24.99 each, while an 18-piece Noritake coffee set hand-painted with gold and white floral patterns can be valued at up to $4,000.

Rarity and value of Noritake dinnerware

Noritake china is widely regarded as some of the highest-quality ceramics for dinnerware. The company's use of colour, pattern, and design has made its antique dinnerware a prized possession for collectors worldwide. The value of Noritake dinnerware depends on its rarity, age, and condition.

Rarity

From 1948 to 1952, Noritake stamps indicated that their tableware was made in "Occupied Japan". During this time, many Japanese factories had to curtail production due to tough economic conditions. In 1946, Noritake was temporarily unable to produce goods that met its usual high standards, so the company called its products "Rose China" instead of Noritake. As the production period was so limited, these items are now rare and collectible.

Age

Noritake china was founded in 1876 by Japanese businessman Ichizaemon Morimura and his brother Toyo, who opened Morimura Brothers in New York City. Initially, the company sold Asian antiques and decorative arts and exported traditional Japanese wares. However, after a trip to Paris in 1889, Ichizaemon Morimura was inspired to create French-style porcelain dinner sets for the Western market. The company's first Western-style dinner set, named Sedan, was created in 1914.

The oldest Noritake china is the most valuable and rare. In the early days of the company, not many examples were produced, so hand-painted pieces from this time are in high demand.

Condition

The condition of a piece of Noritake china is important for its valuation, but only if the item is not rare. Rare pieces are valuable even if they are damaged, although those in better condition will have a higher value. Items in the best condition have:

• Little to no cracks or chips
• Scratch-free surfaces or very few scratches
• Complete and clear backstamps
• Clear patterns that are not faded or marred

Noritake's history and origin

Noritake Co., Limited, commonly known as Noritake, is a tableware and technology company headquartered in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1876 by Ichizaemon Morimura VI and his brother Toyo, who established Morimura Gumi (or Morimura Brothers) with the intention of trading overseas. Initially, the company sold Japanese antiques, curios, paper lanterns, and other goods, including pottery.

In the 1890s, Morimura Brothers shifted from retail to wholesale operations and began working on design improvements for their pottery and porcelain ware, which had become a significant part of their business. By 1899, all of the pottery and porcelain decorating factories in Tokyo and Kyoto had consolidated in Nagoya, and the company started researching the creation of European-style hard white porcelain in Japan.

In 1904, key members of Morimura Brothers established Nippon Toki Kaisha, Ltd. ("the Company that makes Japan's Finest China") in Japan. A new factory was built in Noritake, near Nagoya, and in 1914, the company created its first Western-style dinner set, called "Sedan", to compete with European porcelain companies. Most of the company's early wares carried one of the various "Nippon" back stamps to indicate their country of origin when exported to Western markets.

It wasn't until 1981 that the Japanese parent company officially changed its name to Noritake Co., Limited. This delay was due to the fact that "Noritake" is also the name of a place, and the company was initially prohibited from registering it as a trade name.

Noritake stamps and markings

Early Period (1876 - 1904)

In 1876, Noritake was established as Morimura Brothers in New York City by Japanese businessman Ichizaemon Morimura and his brother Toyo. Initially, they sold Asian antiques, decorative arts, and traditional Japanese wares. The early marks from this period were typically the country of origin, "Nippon" or "Japan," written in traditional Japanese Kanji characters or western characters.

World Fair Inspiration (1904)

A visit to the World Fair in Paris in 1904 inspired Ichizaemon Morimura to create high-quality, modern Western-style dinnerware for export. This led to the establishment of the Nippon Toki Kaisha Ltd. factory in Japan in the same year.

Pre-World War I and World War I Era (1908 - 1914)

During this period, Noritake registered its first back stamps for domestic use in Japan and the UK market. The stamps featured the initials "RC" (Royal Crockery) combined with a "Yajirobe" symbol (a mechanical balance toy) to symbolise the balance between quality and price. The famous laurel wreath design was also introduced in 1911. The first Western-style dinner set, named "Sedan," was created in 1914.

Interwar Period (1918 - 1939)

After World War I, most backstamps were changed to state "Japan" or "Made in Japan" due to changes in US import laws. Noritake adopted mass-marketing techniques and continued to gain global demand. The "M in a wreath" mark, representing the Morimura brothers, was used during this period. The Azalea pattern, produced between 1915 and 1930, became one of Noritake's most popular designs.

World War II and Post-War Period (1941 - 1952)

During World War II, Noritake ceased using the name "Noritake" due to difficulties in maintaining quality standards. Instead, they used "Rose China" alongside a rose symbol and "Made in Japan" or "Made in Occupied Japan" markings. After the war, from 1948 to 1952, Noritake stamps indicated they were made in "Occupied Japan." These items are rare and collectible despite the economic challenges of the time.

Contemporary Era (1963 - present)

In 1963, Noritake started using its English name, Noritake Company Ltd, and introduced new markings. The company officially changed its name to Noritake Co., Limited in 1981. Today, Noritake continues to produce contemporary dinnerware, maintaining its reputation for high-quality ceramics worldwide.

Identifying Noritake China

To identify vintage Noritake china, look for the stamp or marking on the underside of the piece. The stamp typically includes the pattern name or a four-digit number referencing the pattern. The condition, rarity, age, and stamp all contribute to the value of Noritake china.

Post-WWII Noritake production

The value of Noritake china depends on the time period it was made, its condition, rarity, and stamp. The oldest and rarest Noritake china patterns are the most valuable examples on the market.

During the post-WWII period, from 1945 to 1948, Noritake china was sold under the label "Rose China". The company temporarily dropped the Noritake name because it was unable to maintain its pre-war quality standards. The items produced during this period are stamped with "Rose China", a rose image, and "Made in Occupied Japan". The stamps also feature the words "Occupied Japan" or "Made in Occupied Japan".

From 1948 to 1952, Noritake resumed using its name but continued to use the "Occupied Japan" stamps. In 1953, the company replaced the "M" in a wreath symbol with an "N" for Noritake. The wreath symbol had been used since 1911.

In 1963, the company started using its English name, Noritake Company Ltd, and the Japanese company officially changed its name to this in 1981.

Identifying vintage Noritake china

Noritake china is highly collectible and celebrated for its use of colour, pattern, and design. The company has been producing china since 1876, so there are many different types of stamps and marks to look out for when identifying vintage pieces.

Firstly, it is important to distinguish between antique and collectible items. Noritake china that is over 100 years old is considered an antique, whereas items less than 100 years old are called collectibles.

Secondly, the most famous and easily identifiable patterns for Noritake are:

• Azure: The most popular pattern. It includes white, pink, and gold flowers that appear on every item and were created in 1915 with a partnership between Noritake and the Larkin Company.
• Lusterware: A technique where metallic oxide is poured over a base colour to create a shimmering quality.
• Tree in a Meadow: Originally named 'Scenic', this intricate, hand-painted pattern was created in 1920.
• Pattern 175: Also called the White and Gold, or the Christmas Ball collection. The china was white with delicate raised gold patterns.
• Imperial Collaboration: A collaboration between Frank Lloyd Wright and the Noritake company for the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

Thirdly, the value of Noritake china is determined by its time period, condition, rarity, and stamp. The oldest and rarest Noritake china patterns are the most valuable. Items produced during the Great Depression in the 1930s and World War II are also considered treasures.

Finally, to identify the age of a piece of Noritake china, look for the backstamp, or maker's mark, usually found on the bottom of the object. Some common marks include:

• Noritake Maruki Marks (Komaru): Used from 1908 until after World War II. Includes a tree, later changed to spears, and a circle.
• M in the Wreath Marks: Used until World War II. Includes a large, gold "M" for Morimura, encircled by a wreath.
• RC (Royal Crockery) Marks: Registered in 1908. A series of circular patterns with RC on the top and Noritake on the bottom in an Art Nouveau style.
• Noritake Company Ltd: Used from 1963. Includes an "N" surrounded by a lamp logo and laurel branches, with "Noritake" above and "Japan" underneath.
• Noritake Bone China: The current mark. Includes "Noritake Bone China" written above a Grecian-style urn within a wreath, with "Japan" written underneath.

Frequently asked questions