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Ryukyu Decorative Arts

  • Image of "Wine Bottle with Spout, Okinawa Main Island, 19th century"

    Wine Bottle with Spout, Okinawa Main Island, 19th century

    Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 15
    May 30, 2006 (Tue) - September 3, 2006 (Sun)

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

    First, in 1882, the German Anthropological Socxiety funded a collection of Ryukyu artifacts to be sent to Germany. However, some items were not able to be sent and were acquired by the museum. Later in 1884, the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce purchased items for the collection.

    After WWII, few cultural items survived in Okinawa the items in the museum's collection even more important.

    Of special note are the items from the village of Yamato in , which made the island of Amami Oshima relating to noro (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 the noro, as well as gorgeous metalwork, vivid textiles, and pottery that reflects various influences, serve to highlight the vibrancy and character of Ryukyu decorative arts.

 Major works in this exhibition

* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.
 Covered Food Box, Chrysanthemums in tsuikin (applique of colored lacquer cutouts) work design, Okinawa Main Island, 19th century (On exhibit through July 19, 2006)
Dress, Bamboo, crane, and plum in bingata stencil dyeing on white ramie, Okinawa Main Island, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Kamakura Yoshitaro, On exhibit from July 17, 2006)
Inner Garment, Amami Oshima Island, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Yamato Ryoko, On exhibit from July 19, 2006)
Hair Ornament for Women, Silver, Amami Oshima Island, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Yamato Ryoko)
Hair Ornament for Men, Brass and silver, Amami Oshima Island, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Yamato Ryoko)
Ring, Gold, Okinawa Main Island, 19th century
Wine Bottle with Spout, Okinawa Main Island, 19th century
Vessel Coconut Shell, Okinawa Main Island, 19th century
Cinerary Urn, Tsuboya ware, Okinawa Main Island, 19th century
Covered Food Box, Lacquered wood, Okinawa Main Island, 18th century (On exhibit through July 19, 2006)
Ewer, Tin, Okinawa Main Island, 19th century
Wine Bottle with Spout, Okinawa Main Island, 19th century
Exhibitions