Ryukyu Kokuo Sappo No Zu [Drawings of the Investiture of the Ryukyu King]. Bankoku Tokaisenki No Zu [Drawings of the Naval Flags of the Barbarian Nations].

Title

Ryukyu Kokuo Sappo No Zu [Drawings of the Investiture of the Ryukyu King]. Bankoku Tokaisenki No Zu [Drawings of the Naval Flags of the Barbarian Nations].

Creator

Description

Ryukyū Kokuō sappō no zu (Drawings of the Investure of Ryūkyū King琉球国王冊封之図)、Bankoku tokaisenki no zu (Drawings of the Naval Flags of the Barbarian Nations蠻国渡海船旗之図), Two separate scrolls are conjoined into one scroll. Colored scroll on washi. 26.7cm x 1447.5cm. Sakamaki/Hawley Collection.

The diplomatic relationship between the Ryūkyū Kingdom and China began in 1372 after Emperor Taizu initiated contacts. Later, both countries developed a relationship called sappō-chōkō (an envoy-tribute). Under this tributary relationship with China, the Ryūkyū Kingdom offered loyalty and goods to the Chinese Emperor in exchange for diplomatic recognition and external protection. The Chinese sappō envoys were sent to the Ryūkyū Kingdom to collect tribute payments and these were often ceremonial occasions. The diplomatic arrangement lasted five centuries and had a significant cultural impact in the Ryūkyū Kingdom.

A painter, Yamaguchi Suiō, may have copied the visitation scenes of sappō envoys from an original in the book Chūzan Denshinroku by a Chinese painter. The second section Bankoku tokaisenki no zu (Drawings of the Naval Flags of the Barbarian Nations) consists of 221 drawings of European trade ship flags and banners.

Extent (Pages, Duration, Dimensions)

2 conjoined scrolls

Is Part Of

Asia - Japan Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library

Page Location

100