Attention history buffs and culture lovers! ✨
Recently at Lyushun Museum in Dalian city, northeast China's Liaoning Province, a rare piece of history stepped into the spotlight: a replica of a 1629 imperial edict issued by Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty. This treasure testifies to the centuries-old tributary ties between the Chinese mainland and the Ryukyu Kingdom, and sheds light on historical conflicts in the archipelago.
The edict, originally penned on yellow paper with golden cloud-dragon patterns, formalized Shang Feng's succession to the Ryukyu throne after King Shang Ning's passing. Measuring 172 cm by 55 cm, it features 44 lines in neat regular script, dated August 16, 1629.
According to Professor Wu Yuhong from the Ryukyu Research Center at Dalian Maritime University, this document is hard evidence of the Ming court bestowing royal titles on Ryukyu’s monarchs. It also inventories imperial gifts and authorized envoys to preside over the investiture ceremony.
The tributary relationship continued into the Qing Dynasty. In 1654, King Shang Zhi of Ryukyu sent envoys to Beijing to exchange old edicts and seals for new ones, leading to the repatriation of the Ming document back to the Chinese mainland archives.
For anyone fascinated by Asia’s intertwined histories, this exhibition is a reminder of how diplomacy and culture shaped our region. 🏯📜
Reference(s):
Exhibition sheds light on historical ties between China and Ryukyu
cgtn.com
