This lovely 95-year old porcelain sugar bowl and creamer tray set is a look back in time to Noritake's short-lived art deco era (c.1926-1931), which produced designs favoring the sharp geometric lines and bold, vibrant colors of the popular art deco movement during America's "roaring twenties".
Iridescent with a gorgeous mother of pearl glaze, golden yellow bands with lined arch detail are contrasted by heavy black-lined geometric panels, which segment lavish, but subdued, orange/ blue floral and mint green leaf motifs. Well-made, hand painted, and a nod to Noritake's artistic craftsmanship.
The tray and both serving pieces bear two different Noritake backmarks. The tray has the "Morimura" mark which resembles one registered in 1916, and the serving pieces have the "Maruki"/ "Komaru" marks, registered c. 1911.
Origin: Japan; pre-owned
Dimensions: Tray-12 5/8"L x 10"W
Sugar Bowl- 4 1/4"W (handle to handle) x 2 1/2"H
Creamer- 2 5/8"H x 3 1/2"W est. (handle to spout)
Condition: Very Good/ Great. A few, (hard to see from the glaze) very thin use marks to the tray are seen under direct light.
Some age related gold wear to the creamer, sugar bowl, and tray rims. Some gold loss to the lid finial is noted. Light loss in the linear strokes of the arch pattern on the tray band is noted. There is a darker appearance to the tray's mother of pearl border. It is not dirty and we are not sure if this is just from the application of the glaze to the folded corners during manufacturing.
There are no chips, cracks, stains, or crazing. This set is 95 years old, with noted wear consistent with age, yet it is an admirable presentation piece.