琉球人御礼の次第 / Description of Ryukyuan ceremonies

This is a copy of a record of the Ryukyuan mission of 1806, which was edited in Japan. The editor and the completion date are unknown. It is a rare book which can be found only in the Sakamaki/Hawley Collection. The 1806 mission was to give shaon, or special gratitude, with regards to the enthronement of a Ryukyu king (King Shō Kō at this time). It was headed by the mission supervisor Yuntanza Chōei and followed by 97 attendants in total. The book records the opening and celebration ceremony called shinken no gi held in Edo Castle after the arrival of the Ryukyuan envoys. It describes the arrival of the envoys arrive at the castle; and their awaiting the shogun in the tenjō no ma, the space located right in front of the shogun's seat in the grand hall covered with tatami mats called ōhiroma; the arrival of the shogun and his entry into the room; their tribute offerings; their subsequent departure, etc. The book also gives detail on the duties of the both Ryukyuan and Japanese officials attending this event and the specific positions in which they were allowed to be seated.