Hi Matty,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

You have a cream pitcher and sugar bowl, the latter of which would have had a cover, which now appears to be missing. These would have been part of a much larger tea and coffee service that would have included both tea and coffee pots and a waste bowl for used tea leaves. These might also have been accompanied by small plates, in which case this would have been a dessert service.

Tea sets hold importance for various cultural, historical, and practical reasons. They have been a symbol of hospitality, refinement, and tradition across different cultures, often representing more than just tools for serving tea. Offering tea is a universal gesture of hospitality and warmth. A beautiful tea set such as this enhances this experience and reflects the host's care and attention to detail.

Regrettably, we're living in an age where increasingly fewer people "have friends over for tea", and the preferred method of drinking coffee is usually on-the-go, from paper or styrofoam cups or metal carafes. I personally think it would be wonderful to bring back the custom of having some quiet time in the afternoon around beautiful pieces such as yours.

According to the Noritake company tradition this "Komaru" mark was designed when meeting the different culture of the west early in the 20th century caused many problems, also known as the "tree crest mark" which is the clan crest of the Morimura family. Based on recent information from the Noritake Company, the correct (current) term for this mark should be 'Maruki'. It is a very early mark and dates to possibly the 1910's.

Noritake was one of the most popular names for dinnerware in the mid 20th Century; not only was it handsome and serviceable but it was also comparatively affordable. Increasingly few people today, however, entertain in such a formal way and the market is saturated with services of varying sizes, colors, etc. Because there is less demand than supply, fair-market / auction prices for Noritake remain low, typically bringing $4-8 PER PIECE though these pieces are more ornate and warrant a higher value of £40-60 for the two together.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage 2-piece Noritake hand-painted and parcel gilt porcelain pitcher and sugar bowl (lacking cover)
Unattributed pattern (cream ground with gilt and cobalt accents, made in Japan, bearing the Komura "Maruki" backstamp, circa first quarter 20th Century
Sugar bowl: Width across handles:112.92mm, Height: 67.65mm, Width 78.64mm
Pitcher: handle 94.14mm Height 69.84mm Width 62.68mm
CONDITION: Generally good, with some wear commensurate to age and use. Assumes no cracks, repairs or losses.
PROVENANCE: Acquired at a secondhand store
£40-60 for the two together.*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia