Japan / Okinawa: 'People of the Ryuku Islands Dancing and Playing Musical Instruments', painting on silk, Miyagawa Chosun (1683 - 1753), Edo Period (1603 - 1868), c. 1718, Weston Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago

The Ryukyu Kingdom (historical English name: Lewchew, Luchu, or Loochoo) was an independent kingdom that ruled most of the Ryukyu Islands from the 15th to the 19th century. The kings of Ryukyu unified Okinawa Island and extended the kingdom to the Amami Islands in modern-day Kagoshima Prefecture, and the Sakishima Islands near Taiwan.

Despite its small size, the kingdom played a central role in the maritime trade networks of medieval East and Southeast Asia.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History