Vintage Noritake 16034 AKA Christmas Ball
Noritake Christmas Ball 16034: A Holiday Classic with Timeless Appeal
When it comes to heirloom-quality porcelain, few patterns capture the magic of the season like Noritake’s Christmas Ball, pattern #16034 (also referenced as 175). With its lavish gold scrollwork, crisp ivory porcelain, and unmistakable early-20th-century charm, this pattern remains one of Noritake’s most elegant and collectible designs.
Whether you’re a holiday host, a vintage enthusiast, or a collector looking to expand your set, Christmas Ball has a way of making every table feel special.
A Little History: Why Collectors Love Christmas Ball
Produced in Japan during the early 1900s, the Christmas Ball pattern was part of Noritake’s golden era of hand-finished porcelain. Many early pieces were marked “Nippon” and feature the classic green “M” wreath backstamp, a hallmark of Noritake’s earliest export pieces.
The design itself is unmistakable—ornate raised gold, delicate foliage motifs, and a soft ivory base that feels equally at home in a holiday tablescape or a year-round china cabinet. This was luxury for its time, and the craftsmanship still shows today.
What Makes Christmas Ball Valuable?
Value in vintage porcelain is always tied to a few key factors, and Christmas Ball checks all the right boxes:
✨ 1. Highly Collectible Pattern
There is a devoted community of collectors specifically seeking this pattern, especially pieces with strong gold and early marks.
✨ 2. Rich, Gilded Details
The raised and encrusted gold is a standout feature—and also one of the first things buyers look at when evaluating condition.
✨ 3. Age & Authenticity
Nippon-marked pieces tend to bring higher value. Matching backstamps within a set also add to desirability.
✨ 4. Serving Pieces Hold Premium Value
Platters, covered servers, large bowls, and rare shapes typically sell for far more than standard dinner plates.
Condition Tips When Buying or Selling
When evaluating Christmas Ball pieces (whether you’re sourcing for resale or purchasing for your home), pay special attention to:
Gold wear – The pattern relies heavily on gilt decoration. Even, bright, intact gold is a major plus.
Crazing – Light age-related crazing is normal, but heavy or stained crazing lowers value.
Chips & cracks – Any damage drastically impacts price, especially on pieces with elaborate gold rims.
Matching marks – Sets with consistent marks (all Nippon or all Noritake) often command higher overall prices.
Styling with Noritake Christmas Ball
Christmas Ball is inherently glamorous, but it’s surprisingly versatile. Try pairing it with:
Deep greens, reds, or burgundy linens for holiday drama
Gold flatware to echo the gilded trim
Crystal stemware for a luminous, vintage-glam look
Textured greenery, candles, and metallic accents
This is a pattern that shines—literally and figuratively—whether you’re serving Christmas dinner or creating a festive winter display.