I have a set of Noritake, that was given to us by my brother, stationed in Okinawa, 49 years ago. Have added to that set from Ebay, and then inherited a set of my aunt's, of Castleton, and it was probably purchased in the 30's. I have added to that set, also from Ebay. We used to use our wedding china every Sunday, just so our girls knew how to eat off of good china. I have also heard that china should have a soaking bath occasionally, to prevent drying out. I used to do that, but have packed it away now, and never get it out, but once a year, and that is just to wash it. I do have a wheat pattern of noritake that we use every day.