Industrial Arts and Crafts of Okinawa

The technique employed in the Ryukyu Yachimun pottery was imported from China around the middle of the 14th century and was later influenced by Japanese and Korean ceramics. Ryukyu pottery can be found at Tsuboya in Naha-shi and Yachimun no Sato in Yomitan-son.

Okinawan lacquerware possesses a unique beauty and a proud history that was greatly influenced by China. Ryukyu lacquerware is produced using sophisticated techniques, is highly valued, and was once used as a premium object of commerce.

Okinawan textiles have always been inspired by natural phenomena such as sun, wind, vegetation, and soil. One of Okinawa’s most famous textiles, Bingata, is representative of Okinawa dyed work. There is also a wide variety of hand-woven textiles influenced by Southeast Asia, China and Japan such as Basho-fu and Ryukyu-kasuri. The rich variety and technique of Okinawan textiles are beyond compare, even with those produced in mainland Japan.

Ryukyu glassware, popular with locals and tourists alike, was created from discarded soft drink bottles after WWⅡ. The glassware is continually evolving through intensive research and development with expanded usage and the introduction of new materials to create unique designs and colors.