This is a delicate, graceful porcelain dinnerware set. Stark white. Its design feels quite Asian to me... very Zen... and my home is filled with Asian antiques and accents, I would not subject these dishes to heavy family use: they are decidedly delicate. The product description says they are dishwasher safe, and I am curious to see how well they do in the dishwasher. (They are top rack items I'm sure.) I especially love the bowls, They are very generous in size... great for salads, soup, even serving, in the right situation. Only time and use will tell how good a buy they are for me.