Identify Your Noritake

That small mark on the base of your piece tells a story. Every Noritake backstamp is a window into the era it was made, the market it was designed for, and the history it carries.

Whether you've inherited a dinner set, found a single piece at a market, or been given something from a family collection, this guide will help you work out where to start.

How to Identify your Piece

Backstamps are almost always found on the underside of a piece. They can be printed, stamped, or in earlier pieces, hand applied. A few things to look for:

The mark symbol, such as a wreath, a circular Komaru or Marukimark, or a stylised letter

The word "Nippon," "Japan," "Made in Japan," or a specific country name

The letter inside any wreath, "M" for Morimura (pre 1953) or "N" for Noritake (post 1953)

A pattern name or number, often in a banner or cartouche beneath the main mark

These small details can narrow down the era your piece was made in. If you'd like to dig deeper, these specialist resources are thorough and well regarded for cross referencing marks:

Gotheborg.com
The Old Stuff
China Finders Australia

You can also take a clear, well lit photo of your backstamp and run it through a reverse image search or an AI image tool. It's often the fastest way to find a close match.

Looking to Sell your Piece?

If you've identified your piece and you're ready to part with it, here are the most common routes Noritake collectors and sellers use:

Facebook Marketplace and eBay are both active for individual pieces and partial sets, particularly for everyday buyers rather than serious collectors.

Australian antique dealers and weekend markets are a good option for common pieces, though expect offers below retail value since the dealer needs room to make their margin.

The Noritake Collectors' communities, both internationally and within Australia, are active on social media and made up of people who genuinely appreciate what they're buying. Selling within a collector community often results in fairer prices for both sides.

A Note on Reproductions

Noritake backstamps have occasionally been reproduced or applied to pieces not made by Noritake. A backstamp alone isn't a guarantee of authenticity, the quality and style of the piece should also be consistent with the claimed era. If you believe you have a significant or rare piece, a specialist dealer or auction house with Japanese ceramics experience can offer a professional opinion.