By KUNIHIKO IMAI/ Staff Writer
November 2, 2019 at 15:40 JST
Replicas of a framed motto and a throne-like seat exhibited at the Seiden main hall of the Shuri-jo castle before they were lost in the Oct. 31 blaze. This photo was taken in 2017. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
NAHA--The status of 1,500 or so priceless treasures from the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429-1879), including paintings and lacquered tableware, remains unknown after the blaze that destroyed many structures inside Shuri-jo castle here.
The Okinawa Churashima Foundation said its collection was kept at the castle, and that about 1,000 items were held in storage facilities with anti-fire safeguards at the Nanden hall and a building called Yuinchi. These articles included an Okinawa Prefecture-designated cultural property “Hakutaku no Zu” painting and two items of lacquer ware.
But the foundation is unable to confirm their safety yet because the storage facilities remain inaccessible due to the extensive destruction of the Nanden and nearby structures.
The foundation believes that more than 400 artifacts stored outside the anti-fire storage facilities or were exhibited at the castle were most likely destroyed.
These pieces include replicas of a throne-like seat and a framed motto, which were on display at the Seiden main hall.
Thirty-five ceremonial garments dating to the 18th and 19th centuries that were on display at exhibition rooms in the Nanden and Kugani-Udun halls were most likely lost as well, according to the foundation.
Those items are normally kept in storage, but were on show to mark the 300th anniversary of Okinawan traditional dance.
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