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Shuri castle was the chief royal palace of the [[Kingdom of Ryukyu|Kingdom of Ryûkyû]], serving as the chief royal residence, political center of the kingdom, site of numerous rituals and ceremonies, and repository of numerous national heirlooms, official records and other artifacts.

Shuri castle was the chief royal palace of the [[Kingdom of Ryukyu|Kingdom of Ryûkyû]], serving as the chief royal residence, political center of the kingdom, site of numerous rituals and ceremonies, and repository of numerous national heirlooms, official records and other artifacts.

Rebuilt beginning in 1992, following its destruction in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, the castle grounds are now the nationally-funded "Shuri Castle Park". Along with a number of other ''[[gusuku]]'' and related sites across the island, Shuri Castle was designated a World Heritage Site in 2000.

Rebuilt beginning in 1992, following its destruction in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, the castle grounds are now the nationally-funded "Shuri Castle Park". Along with a number of other ''[[gusuku]]'' and related sites across the island, Shuri Castle was designated a World Heritage Site in 2000<ref>Technically, it is the ruins and the site below and around the rebuilt castle which are recognized by UNESCO, which does not consider reconstructions for World Heritage Site status.</ref>.

==History==

==History==

It is not clear whether the castle was built during the reign of [[Satto]], king of [[Chuzan|Chûzan]] (r. c. 1355-1395), but it was definitely built by the time of the reign of [[Sho Hashi|Shô Hashi]] (r. 1422-1439), first king of the united Kingdom of Ryûkyû.

It is not clear when the castle was built. Most sources place its construction during the reign of [[Satto]], king of [[Chuzan|Chûzan]] (r. c. 1355-1395), some as early as [[1237]]<ref>Kerr. p50.</ref>, but all agree that it was definitely built by [[1427]], during the reign of [[Sho Hashi|Shô Hashi]] (r. 1422-1439), first king of the united Kingdom of Ryûkyû.

The reigns of [[Sho Shin|Shô Shin]] (r. 1477-1526) and [[Sho Sei (1497-1555)|Shô Sei]] (r. 1527-1555) saw considerable renovation and expansion of the castle, including the construction or expansion of the outer ring of stone walls. The castle would remain through the centuries largely in the form it took at this time<ref name=chanpuru>Kadekawa, Manabu. ''Okinawa Chanpurû Jiten'' (沖縄チャンプルー事典, "Okinawa Champloo Encyclopedia"). Tokyo: Yamakei Publishing, 2001. p54.</ref>.

Succession disputes which broke out following the death of King [[Sho Kinpuku|Shô Kinpuku]] in [[1453]] led to the destruction of the palace buildings at that time, and the loss of many artifacts including silver seals granted the kings of Ryûkyû by the Hongwu Emperor as signs of authority<ref>Kerr. p97.</ref>. The castle was rebuilt shortly afterward.

Shuri castle was destroyed by fire at least four times in its history<ref name=shimpo>Okinawa Compact Encyclopedia.</ref>, most recently by Allied bombing in World War II; reconstruction began in 1992.

The reigns of [[Sho Shin|Shô Shin]] (r. 1477-1526) and [[Sho Sei (1497-1555)|Shô Sei]] (r. 1527-1555) saw considerable renovation and expansion of the castle, including the construction or expansion of the outer ring of stone walls, addition of the stone dragon pillars at the entrance to the Seiden, and the construction of a number of temples and secondary buildings outside the castle complex proper, including the royal mausoleum of [[Tamaudun]], completed in [[1501]]<ref name=Kerr109>Kerr. p109.</ref>. The castle would remain through the centuries largely in the form it took at this time<ref name=chanpuru>Kadekawa, Manabu. ''Okinawa Chanpurû Jiten'' (沖縄チャンプルー事典, "Okinawa Champloo Encyclopedia"). Tokyo: Yamakei Publishing, 2001. p54.</ref>.

Records from the time indicate that when the castle was rebuilt in [[1672]], following a [[1660]] fire, the roofs were tiled where they had been previously covered in wooden shingles, as a precautionary measure towards better fire-proofing. Archaeological excavations, however, have found both Korean and Japanese roof tiles dating to before this fire, indicating that at least some sections of the castle bore tiled roofs much earlier<ref name=shimpo/>.

 

 

 

Records from the time indicate that when the castle was rebuilt in [[1672]], following a [[1660]] fire, the roofs were tiled where they had been previously covered in wooden shingles, as a precautionary measure towards better fire-proofing. Archaeological excavations, however, have found both Korean and Japanese roof tiles dating to before this fire, indicating that at least some sections of the castle bore tiled roofs much earlier<ref name=shimpo>Okinawa Compact Encyclopedia.</ref>. The castle burned again and was rebuilt in [[1690]] and [[1709]]<ref>Kerr. p221.</ref>.

==Layout==

==Layout==

[[Image:Shuri walls.jpg|thumb|right|250px|One section of the winding stone walls of the ''gusuku''.]]

[[Image:Shuri walls.jpg|thumb|right|250px|One section of the winding stone walls of the ''gusuku''.]]

The castle grounds cover roughly 46,000 square meters, extending roughly 400 meters from east to west, and 270 meters from north to south. The compound includes four gates in the outer wall, and eight gates in the inner complex<ref name=shimpo/>.

The castle is situated on a hill, 130m above sea level at its highest point<ref name=Turnbull44>Turnbull. p44.</ref>, the main palace hall (Seiden) facing the west<ref>Kerr. p114.</ref>. The grounds cover roughly 46,000 square meters, extending roughly 400 meters from east to west, and 270 meters from north to south. The compound includes four gates in the outer wall, and eight gates in the inner complex<ref name=shimpo/>.

Just beyond the castle walls could be found the Buddhist temple [[Engaku-ji (Okinawa)|Engaku-ji]] and the [[Ryutan|Ryûtan]] and [[Enkan pond]]s which were constructed for the leisure and recreation of visiting [[Chinese investiture envoys]].

Just beyond the castle walls could be found the Buddhist temple [[Engaku-ji (Okinawa)|Engaku-ji]] and the [[Ryutan|Ryûtan]] and [[Enkan pond]]s which were constructed for the leisure and recreation of visiting [[Chinese investiture envoys]].

===Shureimon===

===Shureimon===

[[Image:Shureimon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Shureimon]]

[[Image:Shureimon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Shureimon]]

[[Image:Sonohyan utaki ishimon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The stone gate to Sonohyan utaki]]

[[Image:Sonohyan utaki ishimon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The stone gate to Sonohyan utaki]]

The symbolic entrance to the castle proper was the [[Shureimon]], which remains today one of the most famous symbols of Okinawa, and specifically of the kingdom and the castle.

The symbolic entrance to the castle proper was the [[Shureimon]], originally constructed around [[1555]]<ref name=Turnbull44/>, which remains today one of the most famous symbols of Okinawa, and specifically of the kingdom and the castle.

Just within the gate can be found the stone gate to [[Sonohyan utaki]], a sacred space of the native Ryukyuan religion, where the king and others would often pray. The gate was constructed in [[1519]], upon the orders of King Shô Shin, by a stonemason named [[Nishito|Nishitô]]<!--西塘-->, from [[Taketomi Island]].

Just within the gate can be found the stone gate to [[Sonohyan utaki]], a sacred space of the native Ryukyuan religion, where the king and others would often pray. The gate was constructed in [[1519]], upon the orders of King Shô Shin, by a stonemason from [[Taketomi Island]] named [[Nishito|Nishitô]].

===Gates===

===Gates===

A short distance down the wall from the Kankaimon is the Kyûkeimon, the women's gate, which is elevated somewhat, and reached by a short staircase.

A short distance down the wall from the Kankaimon is the Kyûkeimon, the women's gate, which is elevated somewhat, and reached by a short staircase.

Upon entering the Kankaimon or Kyûkeimon, a visitor, official, or royal would next ascend a set of stairs flanked by seven stone tablets of investiture, representing prior kings and the authority of the Throne. Even the king himself would dismount here and bow before proceeding further into the complex.

Upon entering the Kankaimon or Kyûkeimon, a visitor, official, or royal would next ascend a set of stairs flanked by seven stone tablets of investiture, representing prior kings and the authority of the Throne. Even the king himself would dismount here from his [[palanquin]] and bow before proceeding further into the complex.

These stairs lead to the Zuisenmon, a red-painted wooden structure perched atop a gap in the stone wall. ''Zuisen'' means, essentially, "spring of beauty/purity/youth and good fortune."

These stairs lead to the Zuisenmon, a red-painted wooden structure perched atop a gap in the stone wall. ''Zuisen'' means, essentially, "spring of beauty/purity/youth and good fortune."

[[Image:Suimui utaki.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Suimui utaki]]

[[Image:Suimui utaki.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Suimui utaki]]

[[Image:Hoshinmon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Hôshinmon]]

[[Image:Hoshinmon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Hôshinmon]]

The Kôfukumon, a large, vermillion wooden structure, leads finally into the ''shicha-nu-unâ'', an area equivalent to what would be called the second bailey in English or ''ni-no-maru'' in a Japanese castle.

The Kôfukumon, a large, vermillion wooden structure which housed administrative offices<ref name=Turnbull44/>, leads finally into the ''shicha-nu-unâ'', an area equivalent to what would be called the second bailey in English or ''ni-no-maru'' in a Japanese castle.

The ''shicha-nu-unâ'' contains the　"Shuri forest ''[[utaki]]''", or [[Suimui utaki]], a sacred grove surrounded by its own low stone walls.

The ''shicha-nu-unâ'' contains the　"Shuri forest ''[[utaki]]''", or [[Suimui utaki]], a sacred grove surrounded by its own low stone walls.

===Unâ===

===Unâ===

[[Image:Shuri Una.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The ''unâ'' (central plaza), with the Nanden seen on the right of the Seiden.]]

[[Image:Shuri Una.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The ''unâ'' (central plaza), with the Nanden seen on the right of the Seiden.]]

The ''Unâ'' is a square, open plaza, bounded by the Hôshinmon on one side, the Seiden, the chief royal residence, facing it, and the Hokuden and Nanden on the remaining two sides. The plaza itself was the site of many important rituals and ceremonies, including New Year's ceremonies, and the formal investiture of each king, for which a symbolic model of the Chinese Imperial Court throne room would be constructed on the plaza.

The ''Unâ'' is a square, open plaza, bounded by the Hôshinmon on one side, the Seiden, the chief royal residence, facing it, and the Hokuden and Nanden on the remaining two sides. The plaza itself was the site of many important rituals and ceremonies, including New Year's ceremonies, and the formal investiture of each king, for which a symbolic model of the Chinese Imperial Court throne room would be constructed on the plaza. The plaza, and buildings within it, were conceived as a miniature of the Forbidden City (the Imperial Palace) in Beijing<ref name=Turnbull44/>.

The Nanden, or "South Hall," on one size of the plaza, is a Japanese-style structure which housed Satsuma officials; the Hokuden, or "North Hall," facing it across the plaza, is a more Chinese-style structure, which housed visiting Chinese officials. Both also housed some of the chief administrative offices of the royal government.

The Nanden, or "South Hall," on one size of the plaza, is a Japanese-style structure which housed Satsuma officials; the Hokuden, or "North Hall," facing it across the plaza, is a more Chinese-style structure, which housed visiting Chinese officials. Both also housed some of the chief administrative offices of the royal government.

====Seiden====

====Seiden====

The chief royal residence, or Seiden, the building at the heart of Shuri castle, faces and overlooks the ''unâ''. The largest wooden building in the Ryûkyû Kingdom, it was lavishly painted and otherwise decorated in vermillion and gold, with intricate carvings and other embellishments painted in bold colors. Its construction incorporates Chinese, Japanese, and native Okinawan architectural elements, including among many other features a Japanese ''[[karahafu]]'' gabled arch over the entrance, and Chinese-style two-tiered roof modeled upon that of the Chinese Imperial Palace.

The chief royal residence, or Seiden, the building at the heart of Shuri castle, faces and overlooks the ''unâ''. The largest wooden building in the Ryûkyû Kingdom, it is three stories tall, and lavishly painted and otherwise decorated in vermillion and gold, with intricate carvings and other embellishments painted in bold colors. Its construction incorporates Chinese, Japanese, and native Okinawan architectural elements, including among many other features a Japanese ''[[karahafu]]'' gabled arch over the entrance, and Chinese-style two-tiered roof modeled upon that of the Chinese Imperial Palace.

 

Two stone dragon pillars flank the central stair of the Seiden; these, like just about everything on the grounds today, are reconstructions, though pieces of the pre-1945 pillars are now housed at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum. While most elements of the castle's design reflects Chinese, Korean, and Japanese influence, these dragon pillars resemble not those found anywhere in East Asia, but rather, a form typically seen in palaces and temples of Cambodia and Thailand<ref name=Kerr109/>, two of the many regions with which Ryûkyû traded heavily in the 14th-16th centuries.

Two stone dragon pillars flank the central stair of the Seiden; these, like just about everything on the grounds today, are reconstructions, though pieces of the pre-1945 pillars are now housed at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum. A series of sliding doors at the center of the front of the building opened directly onto the main audience chamber, above which (on the second floor) was the throne room; the two were connected by a narrow staircase, allowing the king, queen, and other top-ranking royals and officials to make their appearance traveling directly from the throne room to the audience chamber.

A series of sliding doors at the center of the front of the building opened directly onto the main audience chamber, above which (on the second floor) was the throne room; the two were connected by a narrow staircase, allowing the king, queen, and other top-ranking royals and officials to make their appearance traveling directly from the throne room to the audience chamber.

The throne room itself was decorated lavishly in gold and vermillion, as the entire Seiden was, inside and out. Two dragon pillars, painted gold, flank the throne, a Chinese-style chair elaborately carved and painted gold and vermillion as well. Plaques given as gifts to the king by Chinese Emperors, bearing inscriptions of the Emperors' own calligraphy, adorn the throne room.

The throne room itself was decorated lavishly in gold and vermillion, as the entire Seiden was, inside and out. Two dragon pillars, painted gold, flank the throne, a Chinese-style chair elaborately carved and painted gold and vermillion as well. Plaques given as gifts to the king by Chinese Emperors, bearing inscriptions of the Emperors' own calligraphy, adorn the throne room.

==References==

==References==

*Inoue, Munekazu. ''[[Nihon no Meijo|Nihon no Meijô]]'' (日本の名城, "Famous Castles of Japan"). Yuzankaku Publishing, 1992.

*Inoue, Munekazu. ''[[Nihon no Meijo|Nihon no Meijô]]'' (日本の名城, "Famous Castles of Japan"). Yuzankaku Publishing, 1992.

*"[http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-41693-storytopic-121.html Shuri-jô]." ''Okinawa konpakuto jiten'' (沖縄コンパクト事典, "Okinawa Compact Encyclopedia"). Ryukyu Shimpo. 1 March 2003. Accessed 16 January 2010.

*"[http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-41693-storytopic-121.html Shuri-jô]." ''Okinawa konpakuto jiten'' (沖縄コンパクト事典, "Okinawa Compact Encyclopedia"). Ryukyu Shimpo. 1 March 2003. Accessed 16 January 2010.

==Notes==

==Notes==