How to Identify Noritake Patterns
- Noritake Company Stamps. Under the McKinley Act of 1890, goods imported into the U.S. required a stamp on the product...
- Locating Pattern Mark. Turn your piece of Noritake chinaware over and look for the company mark. Newer Noritake...
- Online Pattern Research. Besides the Noritake database, many collectors and antique dealers keep...
How do you identify Noritake patterns?
How to Identify Noritake Patterns 1 Noritake Company Stamps. Under the McKinley Act of 1890, goods imported into the U.S. ... 2 Locating Pattern Mark. Turn your piece of Noritake chinaware over and look for the company mark. ... 3 Online Pattern Research. ... 4 Registering the Pattern. ...
How do you date a Noritake backstamp?
Other than the title of the country used, there are more than 400 Noritake backstamps, which makes identifying the exact date very hard. There are common marks on which most people base their valuation: M in the wreath Marks, RC (Royal crockery marks), Noritake Maruki Marks, Noritake company Ltd, and Noritake bone chine.
Where can I buy vintage Noritake items?
The following retailers regularly carry a large selection of vintage Noritake items: Noritake offers many recently discontinued patterns on NoritakeChina.com. Availability varies by pattern. Please use the search function at the top of this page to locate any available products in your pattern.
What are the different marks used on Noritake China?
However, the three most common marks used for extended periods are Noritake Maruki Marks (often called Komaru), M in the Wreath Marks, and RC (Royal Crockery) Marks. To help establish the age and potential value of your Noritake china, consult the backstamp guide below.
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How do I know if my Noritake china is valuable?
While condition is important when determining the value of your Noritake china, rarity can sometimes eclipse this. Rare pieces have intrinsic value despite ware and tear, though the same piece in better condition can appraise for more. Those in the best condition have: Little-to-no cracks or chips.
Is Noritake still in business?
Today, Noritake is an acknowledged leader in tableware manufacturing and marketing with subsidiaries, factories and affiliates around the world. Our products are sold to customers in over 100 countries and are used in hotels, restaurants and airlines throughout the world. Join us in continuing the Noritake tradition...
Is Noritake bone china or porcelain?
Brands like Noritake and Wilkie Brothers offer great high-quality bone china dinnerware.
Is Nippon the same as Noritake?
However very well known, 'Noritake' as well as 'Nippon' are brands and products produced or sold by the Morimura Company of Japan. Most early pieces marked Nippon in western or in Japanese Kanji characters seems to have been manufactured by or sold through the company that later would become Noritake Company.
What is Noritake's most popular pattern?
Noritake’s most popular pattern, Azalea , was produced somewhere between 1915 and 1930. Like the name suggests, the pattern featured painted pink flowers on a white background with gold detailing around the edges and handles. The Azalea pattern was used on everything from teapots to table sets to children’s pieces.
When did Noritake take its name?
But the adoption of mass-marketing techniques and demand from global consumers allowed Noritake to continue their success. Although consumers referred to the dinnerware as “Noritake” as early as the 1920s, the company didn’t officially assume the name Noritake Co., Limited until 1981.
How to tell the age of a piece?
Age. To pinpoint the age of a piece, start by identifying the backstamp, or maker’s mark, usually found on the bottom of the object. Certain backstamps were used during different periods in Noritake china’s history, so this hallmark is an important factor in the appraisal process.
When was Noritake China invented?
The history of Noritake china dates to 1876 , when Japanese businessman Ichizaemon Morimura and his brother Toyo opened Morimura Brothers in New York City. Morimura, an ardent supporter of the modernization of Japan, saw an opportunity to appeal to the United States’ market. At the time, Morimura Brothers sold Asian antiques and decorative arts and exported traditional Japanese wares. After early success, the brothers looked to other outlets they could pitch to American consumers. Though china and porcelain were popular, European factories already dominated the market by the late 19th century.
When did Noritake stop using the name "Noritake"?
From around 1948 to 1952, Noritake stamps featured “Occupied Japan” or “Made in Occupied Japan.”. Also during this time, due to an inability to maintain quality standards, the company ceased using the name “Noritake” and used “Rose China” alongside a rose with “Made in Japan” or “Made in Occupied Japan.”.
What was the Morimura brothers first dinner set called?
In 1914, they created their first Western-style dinner set, named Sedan , to compete with European porcelain. It didn’t take long for the Morimura Brothers to pique Western interest.
What is the rarest item in Noritake?
Some of the rarest items include bulbous vases, pancake jugs, china ashtrays, and even children’s sets. Today, Noritake remains one of the largest manufacturers of china and porcelain, with production facilities all over the world. They have expanded to produce stainless flatware and crystal.
