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Usasuka, the King's Throne

The Shichagui on the first floor was where the king and senior officers conducted important ceremonies and discussions. This was functional space and had no complicated decorations. In the center of the Shichagui was the king's throne, or Usasuka.

The Ufugui on the second floor was where royal ceremonies and private functions of royal family members were conducted. The Usasuka is located in the center, 65 cm higher than the floor and resembles the Buddha's dais in oriental temples, the pedestal on which the statue of Buddha is placed in Zen temples. The Usasuka is decorated with colorful side panels with carved grapes and squirrels. The pillars are decorated with Chinkin lacquer painting, high columns are decorated with precious gems, and dragon pillars are covered with gold leaf decorations. The Usasuka is truly gorgeous.

Pillars are made at workshops and brought to the Seiden for final assembly.

The golden dragons and polychrome clouds are drawn on two pillars in the front and dragon and cloud patterns are drawn on the upper part of the King's throne on both the first and second floors.

The image of dragons characteristically used during the Ming dynasty frequently appears in architectural objects and arts and crafts made during the first period of the Ryukyu Kingdom. However, the characteristic dragon image, a mixture of dragons used during the late Ming dynasty and early Shing dynasty periods, was expressed for the Seiden's reconstruction. In making dragons, the intent of the person who makes it is very important in making them lively. The dragons on the first floor of the Seiden are young and the dragons on the second floor are old, but dignified. Unlike the other dragons at the worshipper shelters, these dragons are gentle and quiet.