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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Textiles and dyeing

    Yomitanzan Hanaori

    A patterned fabric woven with colored threads such as red, yellow, and indigo to create geometric patterns.

  • Traditional Crafts

    Yomitanzan Minsa

    A cotton fabric with a kasuri pattern that embodies the wish for "everyday life, forever and ever."

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • staining

    Ryukyu Bingata

    Stencil dyeing is characterized by vibrant colors and bold color combinations, vividly depicting the nature and scenery of Okinawa.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.