Representations of Ryukyu

The Ryukyu Kingdom (now the Southern island of Japan) was a common theme in yokohama-e and earlier woodblock prints. Most often was the representation of the Ryukyuan Embassies that traveled from the Southern island to Edo, the capital during the Edo period. In these representations the costume and banners of the Ryukyuan’s is depicted as well as the festival atmosphere these parades created.[1]

[1] Toby, Ronald P. “Carnival of the Aliens. Korean Embassies in Edo-Period Art and Popular Culture.” Monumenta Nipponica 41, no. 4 (December 1, 1986): 415–56. doi:10.2307/2384862.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/collectionimages/AN00512/AN00512234_001_l.jpg

This work is likely one of the predecessors yokohama-e. While the print is currently a single sheet it probably comes from an illustrated book and was hand colored, either by the owner or a local artist. Like later woodblock prints of foreigners are identified by costume differences and labels.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/collectionimages/AN00418/AN00418887_001_l.jpg

This print is from the early eighteenth century, and features color washes of one or two colors, rather than the later polychrome prints. This image was produced too early to be considered a yokohama-e, but represents people from the Ryukyu Kingdom (now the Southern island of Japan). The image of ambassadors from the Ryukyu Kingdom parading on their way to Edo to pay tribute to the Emperor.

http://mfas3.s3.amazonaws.com/objects/SC201088.jpg

This printed has been dated to the Edo period (1603-1868) and based on the limited color palate is before or early in the period of Yokohama-e. Here a Ryukyan (likely a member of the court) is being assisted by a page boy while riding a horse. While fading makes the pattern on the yellow robe is difficult to see, both that and the teal robe have detailed patterns which may refer to the textiles the Ryukyu were famous for producing.

This pentaptych (a five print image) is a fully developed woodblock printing techniques, seen in the many color blocks and clean registration. Again, it is a Ryukyu procession that is being depicted, but this print gives a much more realistic idea of the popularity and festival atmosphere of these processions. Thousands of people would flock to the procession route throughout Japan to see these foreign visitors, and this print is one way these events were documented.