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Pottery
Pottery is called "Yachimun" in Okinawa. The techniques were introduced from China
in the 14th to 15th century, and were also influenced by Japan and Korea. Based on three techniques, a unique style
was developed in Tsuboya, Naha. Presenty, Yachimun is made everywhere in Okinawa.
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| Variety of Tsyboya Yaki (Pottery) |
Okinawan Textiles
In many places on Okinawa, textiles were developed with influences from Southeast Asia, China
and Japan. Bingata, meaning colorful patterns, is one of the Japanese symbolic textiles. Ryukyu Kasuri, Kumejima
Tsumugi, Yuntanza Hanaui, Bashoufu, Miyako Jofu, and Yaeyama Jofu are typical Okinawan textiles. You can appreciate
the tradition and the warmth of hand-woven textiles.
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| Bingata is the Ryukyu-Style of Kimono |
Lacquerware
The distinctive characteristics of Okinawa lacquerware, called "Ryukyu Shikki", the brilliant
vemilion and the uniqure pictures of the Deigo tree and Hibiscus that can be seen in these tropical islands. Lacqureware
were rare and valuable gifts to China and the Tokugawa Shogunate family. Still, the Ryukyuan (Okinawan) lacquerware
is quite popular among many people because its everlasting beauty.
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| Ryukyu Shikki (Ryukyuan Lacquerware) |
Ryukyuan (Okinawan) Glassware
Compared to other traditional arts and crafts in Okinawa, the Ryukyuan Glassware is relatively
new. People started making glass from recycled soda and juice bottles after World War II. Since then, craftsmen
at glass factories have created a new style of glassware making with their innovative ideas. It is very popular among
visitors and local people as a "new" craft.
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| Ryukyuan Glassware is simply beautiful |
Traditional Performing Arts
There are two types of traditional performing arts in Okinawa. One is the royal style
performing arts inherited from the Ryukyu Dynasty. The other is popular folk performing arts originated throughout Okinawa.
These types of performing arts have developed not only as traditions but also as public entertainment. Okinawa is called
"the islands of Songs and Dances."
Ryukyuan (Okinawan) Dance
There are three forms of Ryukyuan Dance, folk dance, classical dance, and Zo-odori.
Folk dances were performed in local communities. Classical dances were performed in the royal courts of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
And Zo-odori are modern dances that spread throughout Okinawa in the last century. Condensed version of Ryukyuan culture
can be observed in these elegantly and gracefully performed dances, as well as costumes made of gorgeous Bingata.
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| Ryukyuan Dance is called "Ryu-bu" in Okinawa |
Eisa
Eisa is one of the most popular and famous Okinawan folk dances performed with bravery and
magnificence. It was originally started to send the spirits of ancestors as the Buddhist invocational songs. During
the Obon (Buddhist festival of the dead) season, people enjoy watching and performing Eisa all over Okinawa.
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| Eisa is usually performed by youth |
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