On the morning of October 31st, 2019, a large fire broke out and burned down the main hall and two adjacent buildings to the north and south of Shuri Castle. The fire also destroyed over 400 artifacts and documents, including paintings, lacquerware, ancient writings, and dyed fabrics.
To pay tribute to the fallen modern symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom, I am creating a series of drawings to commemorate Shuri Castle. These artworks are free to download and printed for non-commercial use. This is the third part of the series, you can download the entire series here.
This is a drawing of Shureimon (Shurei Gate in English). In Japanese, Shurei means Propriety, mon means Gate. Therefore, Shureimon = The Gate of Propriety. Okinawa was an important port for maritime trade. The road under Shureimon has been walked by some historical figures that influence the history of Ryukyu and its surrounding nations. To meet with the King of Ryukyu, one must pass Shureimon, and then Zuisenmon, eventually arrive at the main hall of Shuri Castle. Shureimon was so significant to Okinawa, further to Japan that it made it to the back of Japan’s 2000 yen bill.
I hope you will print it, frame it, and find a place for it in your home, your office, and your heart.
Desmond Liang
Co-Founder of Oki Social
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Oki Social Original Shuri Castle Ornament
We created a Shuri Castle ornament to support the Shuri Castle restoration project. Please hang it on your tree, by the window, in your car, somewhere close to your heart.
