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| @The traditional arts and crafts of Okinawa are known throughout
Japan. This includes weaving and dying techniques such as its
Kasuri splashed pattern fabrics and Bingata stencil dyed fabrics
as well as lacquer ware techniques such as Chinkin gilt line
engraving and Raden mother of pearl inlay. The Ministry of International
Trade and Industry has designated thirteen products from Okinawa
as traditional arts and crafts. Okinawa and Nigata Prefectures
share the distinction of both being number two in the nation
for designated traditional arts and crafts products after the
top ranked Kyoto. In particular the weaving and dyeing arts,
with eleven traditional items including Bingata, have led to
Okinawa being singularly referred to in Japan as the "Treasure
House of Weaving and Dyeing Culture."The marked uniqueness and
originality of Okinawa's arts and crafts can be thought of as
forming a cultural sphere of abundant individuality that ranges
through the Ryukyuan Arc as the southernmost point of the Japanese
archipelago. Factors which helped create unique traditional
arts and crafts in the region, such as weaving and lacquer,
include its experiences as a kingdom during the trading era
from the end of the 14th to the middle part of the 16th century
and the subtropical climatic conditions with an average annual
temperature of 23.30C with an average humidity of 76%. |
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| @In particular, Okinawa's historical background enabled development
of arts and crafts. During the era of trade, the boats of Ryukyu
Kingdom traded goods from China in Japan, Korea, and Southeast
Asia and so many items from throughout Asia found their way
to the islands. Within this exchange, the traditional arts and
crafts also received the influence from overseas and distinctive
techniques were developed. The development of Okinawa's arts
and crafts, when compared to those of other regions shows the
great influence from the economic conditions of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Limited demand for the ceramic production came from within the
kingdom but the more precious arts and crafts were used as trade
items outside the kingdom. After the Satsuma Invasion of the
kingdom in 1609, the arts and crafts became tribute goods and
presents to Satsuma and for this reason the production systems
were advanced. |
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| @Aside from fabrics and lacquer, a variety of arts and crafts
developed. Ryukyuan glass, cabinetry, bamboo work, Ryukyuan
paper, utilitarian items, and musical instruments all developed
unique characteristics in Okinawa. In the ruins of post WWII
Okinawa, Ryukyuan glass made use of discarded cola and beer
bottles and has become firmly established as a folk craft for
its wonderful new designs. Handmade banana paper, unique to
Okinawa, is typical of the Ryukyuan paper that started production
in the first part of the 18th century and was used widely throughout
the kingdom. The production of banana paper was successfully
revived in 1978 and has drawn much attention. One of the typical
musical instruments produced in Okinawa is the Sanshin or Okinawan
samisen, well known since ancient times. Many of the famous
pieces of traditional art can be seen today at museums. There
are currently however, many reasons for concern regarding these
arts. Tasks remain such as the upbringing of the next generation
of artisans and the competition from the introduction of inexpensive
arts and crafts produced outside the prefecture. Inventiveness
and skill are required to preserve and nurture the traditional
arts culture that developed within Okinawa's historical and
climatic environment. Okinawa's modern art received a great
postwar start with the formation of the Okinawa Fine Arts Association
in Ishikawa City. The association later shifted artistic activities
to the arts village in Shuri and received the sponsorship of
the U.S. military in reviving the historical origins of Okinawa's
artistic activities. Later, the Okiten Exhibition, sponsored
by the mass media, gave still more support to modern art in
Okinawa, arts, which have developed and expanded to the present
day. |
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