As a passionate home cook and entertainer, I‘m always on the lookout for elegant and durable dinnerware to grace my table. Over the years, I‘ve tested products from many top brands in search of pieces that combine timeless beauty with everyday versatility. Recently, I took an in-depth look at luxury porcelain maker Noritake to see if their products live up to the hype.
With over 100 years of history behind the Japan-based company, Noritake has earned a sterling global reputation for exquisite design and master craftsmanship. I was keen to experience these qualities firsthand. In this review, I‘ll share my hands-on impressions of Noritake dinnerware and serveware after extensive use in my home over the past several months.
Overview of Noritake: Tradition Meets Innovation
Noritake‘s origins trace back to 1876 when the Morimura brothers established a trading company in New York dealing in traditional Japanese goods. In 1904, the brand Noritake was officially launched with the opening of manufacturing operations in Nagoya, Japan.
Staying true to its roots, Noritake still produces its dinnerware locally, combining generations-old techniques with innovative technology. The result is porcelain and bone china of exceptional durability, consistency and artistry.
Beyond dinner plates and teacups, Noritake offers a vast range of products from serveware to giftware. Categories include:
- Dinnerware collections
- Drinkware + barware
- Serveware
- Kitchen accessories
- Home décor pieces
- Holiday collections
- Gift sets
Within their different lines, you‘ll discover both contemporary and classic designs influenced by Japanese aesthetics. This enables all tastes and sensibilities to find their perfect Noritake pieces.
I decided to focus my review on some of Noritake‘s most popular dinnerware lines. The selections below struck me for their dateless beauty and versatility splicing tradition with modernity.
My Top Noritake Dinnerware Picks
Colorwave Coupe 4-Piece Place Setting
The Colorwave line‘s simple two-tone color-blocking in matte and gloss glazes initially attracted me. I started out with the Coupe 4-piece place setting consisting of:
- 10.5′′ dinner plate
- 8.5′′ salad plate
- 6′′ cereal bowl
- 12 oz mug
I chose the rich Cranberry red and white combination, which proves endlessly adaptable. The complementary hues and subtle divide between the matte and gloss bands create visual interest.
In daily use, this Colorwave set performs superbly. The pieces feel substantial in the hand without being overly heavy. I especially appreciate the curved Coupe shapes with broad rims offering ample real estate for generous portions.
So far, the Colorwave dinnerware has held up beautifully to regular dishwasher and microwave use without any noticeable fading or crazing. Only the slightest surface scuffs are visible on the undersides after months of steady circulation.
- Quality: 5/5
- Design: 5/5
- Value: 5/5
- Overall: 5/5
I‘m so happy with my initial four-piece Colorwave place setting that I‘ve already invested in coordinating serveware, mugs and accessories to expand my collection!
Birchwood 75-Piece Set
For special gatherings with family and friends, I require dinnerware that‘s dependably elegant. For these occasions, Noritake‘s Birchwood fine china pattern always impresses.
The 75-piece set I acquired includes tableware and serveware for 12 place settings:
- 12 10.75′′ dinner plates
- 12 8′′ salad/dessert plates
- 12 6′′ bread & butter plates
- 12 7oz tea cups + saucers
- Various serving bowls, platters etc
Crafted from luminous white bone china, Birchwood‘s understated silver and grey etched filigree pattern is an exercise in refinement. The birch tree and branch motif offers delicate detail without overpowering the table.
Again, the heft and thickness of these pieces give them a gratifying sturdiness, backing up their apparent fragility. Several unfortunate encounters with dropped plates and silverware have only yielded minor chipping around the edges.
For hassle-free cleaning, I appreciate that Birchwood is conveniently dishwasher safe. The bone china emerges immaculately unscathed each time.
Hosting celebrations ranging from sophisticated dinner parties to boisterous family holidays, Birchwood always furnishes a touch of class. This set will lend effortless elegance for decades to come.
- Quality: 5/5
- Design: 4.5/5
- Value: 4/5
- Overall: 4.5/5
While you pay a premium for Birchwood‘s pedigree, the enduring style and quality offset the initial outlay in my opinion. Completing my 75-piece collection is a long-term investment guaranteed to become a family heirloom.
Couture Platinum 5-Piece Place Setting
Seeking a contemporary statement piece, I took the plunge on Noritake‘s Couture Platinum bone china. Its masterful platinum and white color scheme exudes luxurious panache.
My 5-piece place setting incorporates:
- 10.5′′ dinner plate
- 8′′ salad plate
- 6′′ bread & butter plate
- 8oz mug
- 7′′ pasta bowl
The collection‘s defining bands of glossy platinum elegantly contrast matte white china blank space. This interplay creates a sophisticated, high-fashion aesthetic.
Meanwhile, the Couture Platinum dinnerware preserves the outstanding resilience expected from Noritake. Dense bone china construction means these have endured constant use without issue. A few faint surface markings are the only indicator of regular wear.
For celebratory meals or just everyday fanciness, Couture Platinum infuses any tablescape with contemporary opulence. Some additional specialty serving pieces could complete the look.
- Quality: 5/5
- Design: 5/5
- Value: 4/5
- Overall: 5/5
Couture Platinum is worth indulging in if you appreciate contemporary styling. Build a starter place setting then integrate added décor and serveware over time.
Why Choose Noritake?
Based on first-hand testing of their porcelain and bone china offerings, here‘s why I enthusiastically recommend Noritake dinnerware:
Timeless Aesthetic
- From traditional patterns to contemporary looks, Noritake offers artistic touches to satisfy diverse tastes
- Japan-influenced design elements yield dateless appeal
Superior Durability
- Crafted from resilient, high-fired materials using century-perfected techniques
- Stands up well to daily use and dishwasher/microwave cleaning
- Chips and stains rarely occur with proper care
Enduring Value
- Quality and workmanship support years of reliable use
- Classic pieces promise longevity versus trends
- Worthwhile investment that retains or appreciates over generations
Convenient All-Inclusive Sets
- Complete tableware collections readily available
- Integrated place settings & accessory bundles for fuss-free coordination
Reputable Brand Heritage
- 100+ years of porcelain crafting mastery
- Global leader in premium dinnerware
For thishousehold, Noritake has become my go-to for heirloom-quality dinnerware boasting impeccable performance. Their offerings cater to both everyday reliability and special occasion decorator charm. While not cheap, Noritake sets are hardworking investments guaranteed to sophisticate your table for decades on end.
