Author Archives: Ryukyu Heritage Textiles

Chanpuru

Chanpuru means “mixed” in the Uchina Guchi language of Okinawa.  Chanpuru is used to describe many aspects of the Okinawan culture including its textile culture. Ryukyu Kasuri is a good example.  Ryukyu Kasuri originated in the Ryukyu Islands during the Ryukyu Kingdom period in the 14th century.  It is believed that the Ryukyu Islanders learnedContinue reading “Chanpuru”

Picnic Views…

My Oba (Aunt) likes to take us on picnics.  She packs our lunch in Ryukyuan lacquerware. Ryukyuan lacquerware, just as with Ryukyuan textiles, have a distinct style different from that of surrounding cultures.  Though distinct in its own way by the use of Ryukyuan artistic motifs, it is influenced by Chinese, Japanese and Southeast AsianContinue reading “Picnic Views…”

Basho Spinning…it’s a challenge for me!

I’m still learning to spin Ito Basho threads on my basho spinning wheel…it’s a challenge for me!  However, the spinners at Sensei Taira’s weaving studio…well, they spin beautifully!

Okinawan Folk Music – Bashofu

Bashofu “beautiful song of the homeland…mountains so green, skies so blue…beautiful people too” 1. Umi no aosa ni Sora no ao Minami no kaze ni Midoriba no Basho wa nasake ni Te o maneku Tokonatsu no kuni Washita shima Uchina 2. Shuri no kojo no Ishi datami Mukashi o shinobu Katahotori Minoreru basho Ureteita MidoribaContinue reading “Okinawan Folk Music – Bashofu”