Yachimun – Okinawan Ceramics

The Tokyo National Museum has over twenty pieces of Okinawan ceramics in its collection. The Museum acquired these pieces through private donation and through the Meiji government’s purchase of Ryukyu artifacts from Okinawa in 1885.

This exhibition includes excellent examples of the overglaze enamels that were widely used in Okinawa in the 19th century–including rare examples of a vivid blue overglaze. Most of these ceramics were fired at the Tsuboya kilns in central Naha.

In addition, recent conservation activities have revealed that some of the “Ryukyu artifacts” purchased in 1885 actually bear reign marks showing they were made in China during the Qing dynasty.

This exhibition invites visitors to view Okinawan ceramics alongside the Chinese ceramics prized and passed down by the Ryukyu people.