Ryukyu Decorative Arts

The Tokyo National Museum's collection of Ryukyu cultural items is largely the result of 3 sets of acquisitions.

In 1882 by request of the German Anthropological Society, the then Japanese Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce collected Ryukyu artifacts for research purposes. Identical items that were included in the set, together with the objects returned from Germany, were added to the Tokyo National Museum collection. Later in 1884, the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce further purchased items from Okinawa Prefecture, and the purchases now form the core of the museum's collection of Ryukyu cultural objects. While few cultural items survived the ashes of WWII in Okinawa, the museum collection became among the oldest and most important.

Of special note are the items from the village of Yamato in Amami Oshima relating to noro, a female ritual officer, collected by Ms. Osada Suma, who researched the Amami dialect. In 1997, items collected by Ms. Osada were donated by her younger sister, Ms. Yamato Ryoko.

Lacquerware that reflects its Chinese influence and items used by thenoro, as well as gorgeous metal work, vivid textiles, and pottery that reflects various influences, serve to highlight the vibrancy and character of Ryukyu decorative arts.