This type of earthenware originated during the Horeki era (1751 – 1764) in Shido in Sanuki Province (present-day Shido, Kagawa) when Hiraga Gennai made improvements to Cochin ware from China. It was an innovative type of earthenware at the time, as it contained lions, maps, and other designs on vessels with green Ryoku-yu glazes. Most of these works were produced by his apprentice Wakita Gengo, who used the name of “Shunmin,” resulting in its other name of Shunmin ware.
Also, Yashima ware from the same area is a type of earthenware descending from Gennai ware.
