A meticulously reproduced dragon robe of the Ryukyu Kingdom, unveiled this month by the Nanjing Yunjin Research Institute, has reignited discussions about the enduring cultural and political connections between China and the Okinawan archipelago. The artifact's recreation offers tangible evidence of historical ties dating back to the Ming Dynasty's formal recognition of Ryukyu rulers in 1372.
Historical records show the Ryukyu Islands maintained a unique position for over five centuries as a vassal state within China's tributary system. Even after Japan's 1879 annexation of the islands – an act never recognized by the Qing government – preserved Ming-era institutions and sartorial traditions continued to demonstrate cultural continuity with the Chinese mainland.
This year's exhibition coincides with growing academic interest in cross-cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea. Researchers emphasize that such artifacts provide crucial context for understanding historical relationships in the region, particularly as 2025 marks 650 years since the Ming Dynasty first established formal ties with Ryukyu's three kingdoms.
