Bingata (Dyed Fabrics) Bingata displays Okinawa's sense of beauty characterized by vivid colors and smooth patterns. Dying methods consist of katazome dyed with stencils and tsutsuzome dyed with cylinders. Bingata is often compared to yuzen dye of Kyoto, but the Okinawan fabrics do not incorporate embroidery or tie-dyes. Bingata is indispensable for Ryukyu dance performances.

Tsuboyayaki ware Tsuboyayaki ware's tradition dates back to the Monarchical Ages during which Ryukyu had a great deal of exchange with other Asian countries. The ware reflects qualities from Ryukyu's neighboring countries with its Southeast Asian style print patterns and Chinese style ceramics. Tsuboyayaki ware is either glazed or unglazed, and for the unglazed the Fehnukama kiln is known to be the best. This particular kiln is designated as one of Okinawa's cultural assets, and even today it is fired up several times a year. At the end of Heiwa Dori (Peace Street) arcade is the ceramic town called Tsuboya. Remnants of the ancient Okinawa can be seen in this town where the best potters and kilns were gathered by the Ryukyu Kingdom 300 years ago. More than 20 ceramic ware stores still exist in this town selling tsuboyayaki ware.

Ryukyu Lacquer The Okinawa climate, high in temperature and humidity, creates an ideal environment for lacquer ware making. The craftsmanship was adopted from China in the 14th to 15th century, but in the next two centuries the Ryukyu lacquer ware skill was upgraded and exported back to China. It further spread to Southeast Asia as well as mainland Japan. Okinawa's tropical culture is represented in the tsuikin technique featuring the three dimensional effect on the print patterns and in pieces with raden mother-of-pearl affixed onto lacquer ware. With several different kinds of techniques, ware based on tropical plants turn into beautiful art.

Ryukyu Glasswork The art of Ryukyu glasswork began after World War II. Asked by a U.S. serviceman stationed in Okinawa, a local craftsman melted bottles to make vases and glasses. Supplies were scarce at the time and thus beer and soda bottles were collected to make the art pieces. Taken out of the kiln, liquid glass turns into solid glass objects. The transformation of the glass is fascinating to watch. Exotic colors and simple designs characterize Ryukyu glasswork which are available at Key Stone (TEL: 098-867-1383). All different types of Ryukyu glasswork are on display and sold at the Ryukyu Glasswork Village. Craftsmen at work can be observed in the adjacent shop (TEL: 098-997-3005).