Feature Exhibition
Kyuhaku’s Ryukyu Collection
A gem of a collection!
The unique cultures and history of Ryukyu and Okinawa are crucial to our philosophy as a museum. Since our opening, we have devoted ourselves not just to showcasing exhibits that represent this region, but also to acquiring further relevant artifacts.
In October 2019, Shurijo Castle, the former seat of the Ryukyu kingdom’s royal family, was tragically engulfed in flames. Ever since, reconstruction works have been underway, and the castle’s Main Hall is scheduled to reopen to the public on 23 November 2026. To commemorate this occasion, we are proud to present this exhibition introducing you to our Ryukyu Collection, a gem among our wider collection.
Exhibition Period |
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27 October (Tue) – 6 December (Sun) 2026 |
Venue |
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Room L, Cultural Exchange Exhibition Hall (Floor 4) |
Tickets
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| Adults | 700 yen |
| University students | 350 yen |
| High school students, under-18s, and over-70s are free | |
* For more details on ticket prices, please refer to this page.
Exhibition Leaflet |
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Exhibition Highlights
Bird’s-Eye View of Shuri and Naha
By Aka Sōkyō, inscription by Ogata Dōhei
19th century
Kyushu National Museum
Waiting to greet you as you enter the exhibition is none other than Shurijo Castle itself!
The route from the castle to Naha Port hasn’t changed much over the years, so much so that you could still use this scroll as a map! Maybe.
Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the List of Works for this exhibition when you visit – we’ve printed a shrunk-down version of this scroll on the back! 📣
* While stocks last.
Ryukyuan Folk Customs (partial)
19th century
Kyushu National Museum
This illustrated scroll records the outfits, culture, and lifestyles of the Ryukyu kingdom. Of its full 13-meter length, we’re showing off 8 whole meters, all at once!
Discover Ryukyuan fashions, hairstyles, jobs, marriages, funerals, and more.
Lacquered tray with coiled dragon motif in raden inlay
Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom; 18th–19th century
Kyushu National Museum
Among its various handicrafts, Ryukyu is often known for its lacquerware.
Check out the sheen from the local shells that make up the raden (mother-of-pearl) inlay! ✨
Its majestic, Chinese-style dragon motif is beautiful too!
Bingata dusudi robe
Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom; 19th century
Kyushu National Museum
Dusudi robe in vermilion with vertical stripes
Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom; 19th century
Kyushu National Museum
Textiles and dyeing are also key Ryukyuan handicrafts.
From bingata robes kept exclusively for royalty and nobility to striped garments made of silk and banana cloth, witness the beauty of these unique Ryukyuan materials and expressive techniques! 👀
Also featuring iconic writings and paintings produced through cultural exchange with China! ✨
Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons
By Sun Yi
Qing dynasty, China; dated 1712
Kyushu National Museum
Birds and Flowers
By Wu Shiqian (Yamaguchi Sōki)
Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom; dated 1706
Kyushu National Museum
Wu Shiqian was a Ryukyuan who went abroad to study painting in China, while Sun Yi was his teacher. Master and student, reunited for this exhibition! ✨
Copy of Appraisals of Calligraphy, Ancient and Modern
By Zhou Huang
Qing dynasty, China; dated 1756
Kyushu National Museum
Poetry Anthology from the 5th Year of the Jianqing Era (partial)
By Tei Kakun
Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom; 19th century
Kyushu National Museum
Zhou Huang was a Chinese vice-envoy to Ryukyu, dispatched by the Chinese emperor.
Tei Kakun, who compiled this anthology of poetry shared between Chinese envoys and Ryukyuan locals, was a Ryukyuan who studied penmanship in China.
Behold the striking contrast of ink and paper!
Events (in Japanese only)
Free of charge, no booking necessary!
Kyuhaku in 3D: Deep Dive Discoveries
13:30–15:00
Museum Talk
15:00–15:30
(please note that a ticket granting entry to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition Hall is required)