Records of My Travels in Okinawa ~vol.3 Tradition of Colorful Okinawa~

 In Shuri district, there are brilliant traditions like a flower of the hibiscus. Hibiscus is traditional in Okinawa.

 On day two in Okinawa, I rode around the Shuri district of Naha city on bicycle. If you stay in Okinawa, you should visit this place... 

 That is "Shuri Castle!." The red castle shines in the blue sky. Because I visited Shuri Castle on a  school trip once before, this is my second visit. The castle commands a fine view of Naha city and the sea.

 Shuri Castle was the center of Ryukyu kingdom, which existed until Okinawa was annexed to Japan in the late 19th century. On the second floor, there was a venue for many important ceremonies and celebrations. And then, there was the throne which was used by the king. I'd love to live in a palatial residence like this castle.

 I also visited the atlier called "Ryusen" which produces traditional dyed cloth.

 There  were many lovely cloths in the atelier. I was captivated by their beauty.

  Bingata is a traditional craft that was born in Okinawa's climate. During the Ryukyu dynasty era, it had been dyed as costume of royalty mainly. In the 14 through 15 century, Bingata adopted the dyeing technique of China, India and Java through trade. Bingata was also affected by kyo-yuzen of Japan, and flowered along with the prosperity of the Ryukyu dynasty.  

 This atlier uses natural dye such as bark, grass roots and nuts. Since plants dye color is light,  it takes several layers of painting to achieve a deep color.

 In this atlier, there are also works of coral dyeing. It use corals washed up on the beach.

 I bought coral-dyed hair ornaments to remember this trip. I chose these colors while imagining the sun shining on Okinawa's seas. These are my treasures.

 Next time, I'll tell you about a lovely cafe which is only in Okinawa.

"Shuri Castle"

1-2, Shuri Kinjocho, Naha-city, Okinawa, 903-0815, Japan

http://oki-park.jp/shurijo-park/index.html

"Ryusen" Atlier of Okinawa's traditional dyed textile

1-54, Shuri Yamagawacho, Naha-city, Okinawa, 903-0825, Japan

http://www.shuri-ryusen.com/