ART & CRAFT

Because of its status as a maritime trading nation during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, arts and crafts flourished. People made goods for tributes and presents that were necessary when trading, performing arts flourished especially at the royal court in Shuri when visiting dignitaries had to be entertained. Especially textile making, such as Bingata, Bashofu and Kumejima Tsumugi are highly regarded to this day. Yachimun potters, first at Tsuboya in Naha and later in Yomitan, make wares for everyday use. Lately, many young artisans are experimenting with ways to fuse traditional with the contemporary.