Preliminary identification

Noritake 'Cardinal' Pattern Fine China Plates and Bowl Set

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a classic four-piece place setting of Noritake fine china in the highly sought-after 'Cardinal' pattern (pattern number 5313). It features a rich cream background adorned with elegant gold scrollwork, delicate floral sprays, and a distinctive reddish-orange border accented with gold trim.

Story

In the 1950s, American military families stationed in occupied Japan fell in love with Noritake's exquisite craftsmanship. They brought these elegant dinnerware sets back home, transforming ordinary suburban dining rooms into spaces of international sophistication.

Maker / Origin

Founded in 1904 in the village of Noritake near Nagoya, Japan, the company set out to create high-quality western-style dinnerware for export. By combining traditional Japanese ceramic mastery with modern industrial techniques, Noritake became a household name globally, synonymous with affordable luxury and durability.

Condition & Value

The visible surfaces show excellent glaze luster with no obvious chips, cracks, or heavy utensil wear. The gold gilding along the outer rims appears intact, though close inspection is needed to check for minor rubbing or wear from stacking. Excellent condition with intact gold trim commands the higher end of the value range.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.