Ryukyu Lacquerware

Ryukyu Lacquerware (琉球漆器, Ryūkyū-shikki) is a traditional lacquerware craft of the Ryukyu Islands, centred in modern-day Okinawa Prefecture. The craft is renowned for its vibrant colours, unique regional motifs, and decorative methods not found in mainland Japanese lacquer traditions. Influenced by the maritime trade networks of the former Ryukyu Kingdom, Ryukyu Lacquerware blends Chinese, Southeast Asian, and indigenous Okinawan aesthetics into a distinctive artistic tradition.

Overview

Ryukyu Lacquerware is characterised by:

richly coloured lacquer (especially red and yellow),
bold, decorative motifs,
techniques such as tsuikin (堆錦, raised-color paste decoration),
tsuken-nuri (distinctive regional colouring),
high degree of ornamentation compared to mainland wares.

The style is visually vibrant, reflecting Ryukyu’s historic role as a cultural crossroads.

History

The Ryukyu Kingdom (15th–19th century) played a key role in the development of the craft. As the kingdom engaged in active maritime trade with China, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Japan, it incorporated foreign lacquer influences into its own artistic traditions.

Key phases:

Gusuku–Early Ryukyu periods: introduction of lacquer materials from China; formation of early local techniques.
15th–16th centuries: flourishing of decorative arts under the Ryukyu Kingdom; strong Chinese influence.
17th–19th centuries: development of distinct Ryukyu lacquer identity, including tsuikin and vibrant colour palettes.
Meiji period: annexation by Japan; decline in royal court patronage but continued local production.
Modern era: revival through traditional craft associations, workshops, and cultural preservation programs.

Characteristics

Ryukyu Lacquerware exhibits several unique features:

Brilliant colours—reds, yellows, greens, and blues
Exotic motifs influenced by Chinese and Southeast Asian arts
Tsuikin (raised relief) technique using pigmented lacquer paste
Tsubushi-nuri smooth opaque lacquer surfaces
Luxurious decorative style compared to more subdued mainland aesthetics
Hard, durable lacquer layers suited to ornamentation

Typical motifs include flora, fauna, waves, clouds, and classical Chinese-inspired patterns.

Production

General process includes:

Preparing wooden or sometimes shell/bamboo bases
Applying foundation lacquer layers
Adding decorative techniques (tsuikin, coloured lacquer, carved designs)
Polishing and sealing
Multiple drying cycles in humid, warm environments ideal for urushi

Ryukyu’s climate traditionally supported efficient lacquer curing.

Uses

Traditional and modern Ryukyu Lacquerware includes:

trays, plates, bowls
sake cups and bottles
boxes and stationery items
ceremonial and ritual objects
interior decorative pieces

Tsuikin-decorated items are especially prized as art objects.