SPLENDOR OF THE DRAGON. Costumes of the Ryukyu Kingdom

Author: Gloria Gonick, Ichiko Yonamine
Country: California
Language: English
Year Published: 1995
No. of pages: 48
Illustrations: 13 Color Illustrations. 21 B&W Illustrations.
Binding: Softbound
Size: 10”x 8”
Weight: 1.00
ISBN: No ISBN
Biblio/Bio: Bibl. Cat. of exh.
Code: 2213

Price: $19.50

Modern-day Okinawa was once the ancient kingdom of Ryukyu, a center of economic and cultural exchange with China, Korea, Japan, and other Southeast Asia countries, which developed a culture that was unique and different from that of mainland Japan. This is especially true for Okinawan dyeing and weaving--the best known example of which is bingata cloth, which is characterized by brilliant colors and a variety of patterns that preserve the vestiges of a glorious royal culture. Okinawans also perfected weaving techniques especially for banana (basho) and other bast fibers. The exquisite kimonos presented here are examples of the finest Okinawan weaving and dyeing; this book will be of great interest to everyone interested in textiles and to those with an interest in Asian cultures.