Before 1879, Okinawa Prefecture was an autonomous region called the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Its unique culture began to take shape in the 15th century upon unification.Tribute-paying to China as well as trade and cultural exchange with Korea, Japan, and various southeast Asian countries also began.The Ryukyus received exceptional treatment from China,and many aspects of Chinese civilization, including lacquerware,reached the shores of the Ryukyu Islands.
In the 16th century exceptionally fine lacqueware pieces were produced in a special facility, the Kaizuri-bugyosho,under royal administration.This ornate lacquerware soothed diplomatic.This ornate lacquerware smoothed diplomatic relations with the Ryukyu Kingdom's neighbors.Picese such as elaborate black lacquerware with mothef-of-pearl inlay were presented to the shognates and daimyo(rocal rulers) on the mainland,and used as tribute payments to the Chinese Emperor.
The Ryukyuan lacquerware of the time included chinkin,(detailed carvings with gold inlay), as wll as the free designs of shuurushi raden,(cinnabar red lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlay), as well as the free
This museum places much of its attention on this collection and on the cultual exchanges with neighboring countries that affected the artistic development of Ryukyuan laquerware.
In addition to the laquerware collection,there will be exhibits of other OKinawan art as well as exhibits representing nations from around the world.
We, at this museum,stress the importance that Okinawa has given, and gives, to "looking outward" beyond the borders by wich it is surrounded.
The museum is located in Urasoe City,Okinawa, and is tucked in amoungst hills thriving with lush sub-tropical vegetation.
Here, in this peaceful atmosphere, you can relax and enjoy what Okinawa's historical heritage has to offer.
