THE STORY OF NORITAKE

Morimura Brothers store on Broadway in New York (1884-1890). Morimura-gumi sent Toyo Morimura to establish its business hub in the United States in 1876. NORITAKE CO., LIMITED
Morimura Brothers New York shop circa 1888

OUR HISTORY

Noritake has been bringing beauty and quality to dining tables around the world since 1904. Superior artistry and craftsmanship, attention to detail and an uncompromising commitment to quality have made Noritake the international standard for over 120 years.

The Noritake of today grew out of a small trading company (Morimura Brothers) that was established in New York in 1876. This trading company imported chinaware, curios, paper lanterns and other gift items. In 1904, the forerunner of the Noritake Company was established in the village of Noritake just outside of Nagoya. The goal of this first factory was to create western style dinnerware for export, but it was not until 1914 that the process was perfected.

 

This earliest Noritake china was mostly hand painted, often with liberal applications of gold. By the early 1920. Noritake introduced assembly line techniques which allowed for mass production of high quality, yet affordable dinnerware. From this time forward the company started to grow very quickly and in the ensuing decades continued to perfect it’s production capabilities, expanding to markets world-wide post second world war.

4F Noritake Museum
Handmade Art Nouveau Vase Collection Noritake Museum Nagoya

Noritake Australia was established in 1958 and like its parent company proceeded to grow very quickly. The superb quality of the product and great value-for-money (when compared to other premium tableware brands), made Noritake an instant hit with consumers. It did not take long for Noritake to become a household name and such was its popularity during the 1960’s and 1970’s most Australian couples married during this period received a Noritake dinner set as a wedding present.

3F Noritake Museum
Wall collage of Noritake classical era dinner plates (Noritake Museum)

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. Join us in continuing the Noritake tradition of distinctive designs, innovative technology and superior product quality.

Historical Zone
Noritake Nagoya Head Office & Noritake Garden (open to the public)
Noritake Australia Pty Ltd
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