Ainu and Ryukyu
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Trap, Primorsky Krai, 19th century, Gift of the Geological Society of Amur River, Russia
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 16
February 26, 2019 (Tue) - June 2, 2019 (Sun)The islands of Japan stretch from north to south, encompassing diverse natural environments. These environments have been home to numerous cultures over thousands of years. This gallery presents objects from two cultures that were independent from, but interacted with, the rest of Japan: the Ainu people of the north and the Ryukyu Kingdom of the south.
The Ainu are indigenous people who lived mainly on the island of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost major island. They worshipped and lived close to nature. The current exhibition presents tools the Ainu used for hunting, fishing, and weaving, as well as clothing and other items from daily life.
The Ryukyu Kingdom on the subtropical islands to the south had a culture strongly influenced by trade. This kingdom traded mainly with Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Decorative arts from the Ryukyu Kindgom, such as lacquerware and clothing dyed with vibrant patterns, are currently on display.
Current exhibit includes:
Ainu:
Model of a House, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century, Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition
Backstrap Loom, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century, Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition
Trap, Primorsky Krai, 19th century, Gift of the Geological Society of Amur River, Russia
Pot, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century, Gift of the Hokkaido Project Management Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce
Ryukyu:
Covered Food Box, Design of figures under trees in mother-of-pearl and gold inlay, Okinawa Main Island, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 18th century
Octagonal jar, Design of a pavilion and figures in mother-of-pearl inlay, From, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 17th century