The colors of a kingdom beyond the sea
The vibrant colors of Bingata, the simple Yachimun pottery, the coolness of Jofu - Okinawan crafts are a unique aesthetic nurtured by the history and trade of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the tropical sun.
Traditional Crafts
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Textiles and dyeing
Kumejima Tsumugi
Silk fabric with a subdued color, dyed with vegetable dyes and mud. It is said to be the birthplace of Japanese tsumugi silk.
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Textiles and dyeing
Miyako Jofu
Ramie fibers are torn into extremely fine threads, which are then dyed with indigo and woven into a top-quality cloth with a waxy luster.
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Textiles and dyeing
Yomitanzan Hanaori
A patterned fabric woven with colored threads such as red, yellow, and indigo to create geometric patterns.
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Traditional Crafts
Yomitanzan Minsa
A cotton fabric with a kasuri pattern that embodies the wish for "everyday life, forever and ever."
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Ceramics
Tsuboya ware
This is Okinawa's representative pottery. There are two types: "Joyaki," characterized by line carvings such as fish patterns and red painting, and "Arayaki," which is unglazed.
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Textiles and dyeing
Ryukyu Kasuri
It is said to be the root of Kasuri patterns found throughout Japan. Kasuri patterns are stylized depictions of Okinawa's nature and climate, such as birds and clouds.
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Textiles and dyeing
Shuri weaving
Developed as clothing for royalty and the samurai class, these colorful and elegant patterned fabrics include Hanakura-ori and Doton-ori.
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staining
Ryukyu Bingata
Stencil dyeing is characterized by vibrant colors and bold color combinations, vividly depicting the nature and scenery of Okinawa.
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lacquerware
Ryukyu lacquerware
It is characterized by vermilion lacquer, "raden" (mother-of-pearl inlay) in which luminous shells are embedded, and the three-dimensional "tsuikin" technique.
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Textiles and dyeing
Yonaguni Ori
They are dyed and woven using plants from Yonaguni Island, and come in a variety of patterns including Hanaori, Dutati (kasuri), and Shigan (lattice).
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Textiles and dyeing
Kijoka Bashofu
The thread is made from the fibers of the Itobasho plant and woven into a light, breathable fabric, perfect for summer kimonos.
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Traditional Crafts
Yaeyama Minsa
A cotton fabric characterized by five and four ikat patterns. It was used as an obi and as a symbol of engagement.
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Textiles and dyeing
Yaeyama Jofu
A refreshing linen fabric with a kasuri pattern on a white background. The white color is achieved by bleaching the fabric with sea bleaching.
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Textiles and dyeing
Chibana Kaori
Patterns are woven by raising the warp threads. For example, festival costumes feature white and red threads that stand out against a navy blue background.
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Textiles and dyeing
Haebaru Hanaori
It is made in Haebaru, in the central part of Okinawa's main island, and is known for its three-dimensional and gorgeous flower weave and unique kasuri patterns.
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Woodwork/Bamboowork
Sanshin
A stringed instrument essential to Okinawan music, the craftsmanship of the artisans shines through in the shape and finish of the neck.



















