Produced from 1906 to 1991, Noritake's most opulent pattern, considered one of the most beautiful ever made, is generally known as design number 16034, 43061, or 175, and has been long admired for its hand-painted 24Kt gold enameled border detail.
Noritake's quality porcelain presents a bright white center and a light yellow, hand-tinted border, a subtle base for the elegance of gold gilt beaded rims, raised scrolls, floral bulbs, and it crowning glory, interpreted as the ornamental "Christmas Ball".
This is an older 5-piece set of serving pieces from the Christmas Ball pattern and it includes the rare/ unique asparagus serving tray- really, perfect and deep enough for anything you wish-along with two round serving trays, perfect for setting smaller side portions of bread, crackers, or vegetables on both sides of the table.
Most adorable, however, are the condiment/mustard jars, each complete with its own porcelain spoon. For mustard, ketchup, honey, relish or even tartar sauce, these Noritake beauties will come in elegantly handy. Beautiful presentation pieces from one of the most esteemed china manufacturers.
Origin: Japan; pre-owned
Dimensions:
1 Asparagus Serving Tray-10 3/4"L x 7 3/8"W x 2 7/8"H (Blue Nippon mark-c.1912)
2 Round Trays- 6 3/4"W (Green mark #43061- c.1921-1930)
2 Lidded Mustard Jars-2 3/4" x 3 1/2"W handle to handle (Blue Nippon mark-c.1912) & Green #43061 mark (c.1921-1930)
Mustard Jar Spoons- 3 1/8"L
Condition: Great. Light gold loss seen to the asparagus tray handles; three black specs from production are seen to the white area; the bottom/underside scalloped verge line is missing one small area of missing gold (see photos). The round tray rim edges show light gold wear to the rim side edges, along with light use marks. One mustard jar handle has a spot of missing gold paint, from production. No issues to the spoons.
There are no chips, cracks, stains, or crazing. The glaze is shiny and the border gold detail is bright, polished and intact.