The predominant theory is that the Oniwa-ware which was fired at Korakuen – the Edo residence for the Mito-Tokugawa family – originated at the invitation of Kyoto’s Raku Chonyu (seventh generation Raku Kichizaemon) around the Horeki era (1751-64).
For this reason, Raku ware-style early works remain, but around the Tenpo era (1830-44), Cochin-ware that was modeled on Kairakuen-ware of the Tokugawa family of the Kishu domain was also fired.
Also, works made by sixth generation feudal lord Tokugawa Narinobu, and seventh generation feudal lord Tokugawa Nariaki themselves also remain. Narinobu affixed the name of ‘Kanaeyama’ to his work, and Nariaki affixed the name of ‘Kageyama’ to his.
Tokugawa Harumori (1751-1805) invited Raku Kichizaemon the ninth Ryony (ninth generation Raku Kichizaemon, 1756-1834) in Kyoto, to Edo for guidance and was taught the secret Raku glaze, and is widely known as one of the most important figures among successive lords in the development of Korakuen ware.
Furthermore, since it was not pottery made to be sold, the number produced was small from the start, and so extremely few exist.
