The legend of the Sarayashiki (Sarayashiki house) has many different versions, and although the original source is still unclear, it is believed that a servant committed suicide or was slaughtered when she was questioned for damaging property.
The dish is variously said to be Shigaraki-ware, a dish with coral beads, or a dish with Chinese paintings. Since this was probably a common occurrence among samurai families, one famous incident was combined with similar incidents in other places and spread, giving rise to a wide variety of theories, including the Edo theory (also called Bancho or Ushigome), the Banshu theory, the Matsue theory in Unshu, the Ueno theory, the Kishu theory, and others. The Edo bancho theory dates the events from about Shoho (1644-8) to Enpo/Tenwa (1673-184). The Kyumu Nikki (Kyumu Diary) is probably the most detailed. (Kyumu Nikki, Provinces’ Villagers’ Talks, Shin Kotai Monshu, Sekisui Kanwa, Genjo Maki, Kojero Manbunshu, Un Nishiki Zuishu, Takemue Nenpyo Kensho, Banshu Meisho Touran Zukai, Denkisakusho, Kambon Seiyu Ki, Chosei Kidan, Kanda Kohitsu, Kampu Shosetsu, Yushaoran, etc.)
