Japanese painting from the 18th century

Okinawa was a small kingdom founded around the 12th century. It had commercial relations with China in the Ming period (1368-1644) and was considerably influenced by Chinese culture. In the 15th century it took up relations with Japan and became officially subject to the Japanese government in the 17th century. Since then many Okinawan kings and ambassadors have visited Japan, introducing their music and their dances both at the Emperor’s court and among the country’s leading figures.

These missions sometimes numbered 170 people and they performed their music during their official procession. This painting shows a part of that procession. The participants are wearing Chinese dress and playing Chinese music. Almost all these instruments were imported into Okinawa from Central Asia via China.

The trumpet (Rapa) was used during the official procession but little is now known about this musical ritual. These historical instruments have now disappeared although it may still be possible to find some in Fukien and Sechuan in China, as is the case with the Dung-Chen (Tibetan trumpet) used by Lamaists in Tibet.