Brown-ground lined Ryūkyūan robe (ryūso) late 19th-early 20th century

This Ryūkyūan robe, or ryūso, was carefully crafted by an unknown maker using a hand-spun bast fiber called bashōfu, harvested from the banana plant. The cloth’s earthy brown tones and simple lined pattern speak to a tradition deeply rooted in local resources and skills. Look closely, and you’ll notice the texture of the woven material. The slight irregularities are evidence of the labor-intensive process of harvesting, preparing, spinning, and weaving the fibers. The woven material has imbued the robe with a social significance. Passed down through generations, garments like this reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness that come from a close relationship with the natural world. The simplicity and beauty of the ryūso challenge our expectations of high art. It invites us to consider the value of handcrafted objects that carry the stories of people, place, and tradition.