Nanki-Otokoyama ware is centered on blue and white dyed porcelain that was started by Sakiyama Rihe under the patronage of the Kishu Domain, after his experience with Takamatsu-ware in 1827. A kiln was opened at Hachimangura in Wakayama castle town Minamihiro Village.
Although he continued to produce after the Meiji Restoration, when Rihe died in 1875, the quality of the work fell along with sales, and the kiln was abandoned in 1878. Still, even now there are works that have the Otokoyama inscription, but they are simple souvenirs that retain the traditions, such as sake cups and tea cups.
The style applies scenery such as the eight views of Wakanoura, Kikkoumon (a hexagonal turtle pattern), and Raimon (a lightning bolt crest) in blue and white dye to vases, incense burners and tea implements. At the height of its prosperity, together with such work as Kairakuen-ware, they were highly praised as ceramics which represented the domain, and produced works of Aka-e and colored art as something to be presented as a gift to the clans.
