I purchased a similar Noritake set (4 large plates, 4 salad plates, 4 shallow bowls, 4 soup bowls, and 4 mugs) years ago. I loved the set and with an expanding family I decided to purchase another set. I was very disappointed. Not only is this new set worse, but it comes with the tiniest bowls and plates that seem to be more for dessert or for a kid (they had replaced the fantastic shallow bowls and large soup bows in the original set). What is worse is the craftmanship of this new set. A few of the plates are not level (meaning when you put it on the table it tilts upwards on one side). Also, the material the company is now using to make this dinnerware is of inferior quality. As a side by side comparison to the old set, it is heavier (almost as it was made of a cheap clay substitute) and thicker (coarse). I used to be able to use my old set as "fine" china... but this new set just pales in comparison and I am almost ashamed to have such a poorly made set next to the finer set from years ago. What happened to quality control? I only gave it 2 stars based on the old set because hopefully somebody that works for Noritake will realize that their product is not not so good now... was it a change in manufacturer? I don't know. But please change it back to the original Noritake dinnerware. At least the color and name is the same as the old set.