Old Noritake refers to the early products exported to the United States by Noritake — one of Japan's most distinguished porcelain brands, headquartered in Nagoya — from the late 1800s through the end of World War II. Crafted entirely by hand with great care and effort, these pieces were created to demonstrate the excellence of Japanese ceramic craftsmanship to the world. They actively incorporated European decorative techniques and design aesthetics, and are characterized by beautiful hand-painted decoration and intricate craftsmanship across a wide range of tableware and ornamental pieces.

Old Noritake designs fall into two broad categories: Art Nouveau and Art Deco. The pieces are made from white porcelain or hard-paste earthenware, fired at high temperatures to achieve a body that is both lightweight and durable. Decoration centers on hand-painted gilding and polychrome enamel, with predominantly Western motifs such as florals, landscapes, and figural scenes; three-dimensional designs featuring embossing and relief work are also found. The color palette is vivid, with frequent use of red, blue, green, and gold rendered in meticulous detail. The base of each piece bears a backstamp that allows scholars and collectors to identify the period of production and the factory of origin. Old Noritake is highly regarded as fine art and remains a prized collectible.

Following the Meiji Restoration, Japan actively expanded trade with Western nations, and the export of high-grade ceramics flourished. Old Noritake in particular met the demand of Western markets with its fine-quality white porcelain and refined decoration. Produced at kilns in Nagoya, Saga, and elsewhere, the pieces were shipped from the ports of Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagasaki to the United States and Europe, where they circulated widely among department stores and affluent consumers. This export trade spurred innovation in Japanese ceramic technique and design, contributing to the development of domestic culture as well. Highly acclaimed at international exhibitions, Old Noritake became the vehicle through which Japanese porcelain established itself as a recognized brand on the world stage.