A New Hub for Okinawa's Traditional Crafts

First, could you provide a brief overview of this facility?

Suikara was established as a center to preserve the two traditional crafts of Ryukyu bingata and Shuri-ori cloth for future generations. The first floor features a gallery and shop, the second floor houses the Ryukyu BINGATA Business cooperative, while the third floor contains the Naha Traditional Textiles Cooperative Association. Each floor includes workshops where artisans continuously improve their skills while creating. Additionally, the facility allows the general public to tour and participate in dyeing and weaving experiences.

In 2019, Shuri Castle was devastated by fire, significantly impacting the tourism industry in Shuri. In response to this situation, Suikara was built as a facility for passing on traditional craft techniques to the next generation. This establishment provided a stable space for cooperatives that had long lacked a base for their activities.

The appeal of Ryukyu Bingata and Shuri-ori

Can you tell us about the historical background of Ryukyu Bingata and Shuri-ori?

Okinawa is known as the “island of crafts”, and of the 16 items designated as traditional Japanese crafts, 13 of them are related to dyeing and weaving. Since the 14th century, various techniques have been introduced through trade with Southeast Asia, China and Japan, and these have been adapted and developed to suit the climate and natural environment of Okinawa. Distinctive weaving techniques have been passed down in various regions, but in Shuri in particular, beautiful and elegant textiles have been woven for royalty and the nobility.

Shuri-ori cloth is both colorful and patterned, while possessing a calm elegance. The name Shuri-ori was adopted when it was designated a national traditional craft in 1983, encompassing various weaving techniques passed down in Shuri. The materials used in Shuri-ori include silk, cotton, and hemp, with dyes primarily sourced from natural plant dyes like Ryukyu indigo and Fukugi, although synthetic dyes have been used in recent years. Not only are traditional fabrics for kimono and obi produced, but also small items and interior decorations born from the artisans' creativity.

Ryukyu bingata is the only dyeing craft native to Okinawa, with every step of the process done by hand. It features vibrant colors typical of the tropics and intricate yet bold designs. During the Ryukyu Kingdom period, the techniques developed through exchanges with Japan, China, and other Asian nations, employing stencils for dye patterns. Notably, the multicolored "Benigata" is renowned for its beauty and loved by royalty and nobles. This craft has endured two significant crises: the dissolution of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the Okinawa War, with the efforts of past artisans ensuring its techniques were passed down to the present. Today, it is recognized as an intangible cultural asset of Okinawa Prefecture and a national traditional craft, with its techniques applied in a wide range of fields including traditional Ryukyu attire, kimono fabric, everyday items, interior designs, and art pieces.