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Hello,
I am asking for help deciphering the mark on the inside of the lid of this massive peach form box. Any thoughts concerning the age and purpose of this box would also be appreciated. It measures 15" long, 10" wide and high. The interior is decorated with a total of 17 cranes in underglaze blue. It is very well modeled. Thank you for your time and expertise. Cordially,
Ken

When running the characters by Google, I got a lot of hits on Japanese websites. Down and across from the top right, the two stacks of kanji (南紀男山) are indicated to read as "Nanki Otokoyama". If I've absorbed the drift of these characters correctly, Nanki appears to be a fairly common place name, as is Otokoyama. The latter term, literally meaning "Male Mountain", is used to denote the more rugged of two peaks in the same vicinity. There are a number of Japanese companies who have latched onto Otokoyama as a product name, including makers of sake and dried plums. And as you've already found, the mark "Nanki Otokoyama" has a niche among Japanese ceramics. I include a link below to some blue and white "(Nanki) Otokoyamayaki" with the mark. I'm sure you'll have fun sorting out the remaining details concerning these wares.

Best regards,

Bill H.

URL Title :NankiOtokoyama

Hello Bill,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and steering me in the proper direction. I look forward to ferreting out more info, now that I know where to look. Cordially, Ken

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