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Hoshin gate

The Hoshin is the final gate before entry to the Una forecourt located in front of the Seiden, where investitures and other important ceremonies were held.
There were three entrance routes to the courtyard, with the one in the center reserved for the king and the Chinese envoy. The plaque was placed on top of the central portion of the gate.
A pair of open- and closed-mouth dragons facing each other is depicted surrounding the letters of Hoshin on the plaque at the gate.

This is the work process of filling cracks or joints of the surface.

The tympanum of the Karahafu, with sculptures of golden dragons and polychrome clouds, shines in the setting sun so brightly that everyone is reminded of the symbol of dignity for the golden age of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It is gorgeous.
Unlike plaques in China, which are usually written in gold on a blue background, the plaques at Shuri Castle are in gold leaf on wood painted with red Urushi lacquer. The red vermillion color is considered the symbolic color of Shuri Castle.

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