The Kingdom of Great Ryukyu

The accompanying woodcut depicts a man from the Great Ryukyu Kingdom wearing a robe with a geometric lattice pattern. He is barefoot, bearded, and wears circular earrings, reflecting the Ming dynasty's ethnographic view of the islanders' appearance.

The Kingdom of Great Ryukyu original: 大琉球國 (Da Liuqiu Guo). Located in the modern-day Okinawa Islands. is situated five hundred li A traditional Chinese unit of distance; 500 li is approximately 150 miles or 250 kilometers. by water to the east of Jian’an original: 建安. A historical prefecture in Fujian province, China, which served as a primary point of departure for missions to Ryukyu.. Their King resides among many mountain settlements original: 山峒 (shandong). This can refer to mountain caves or, more likely, fortified mountain villages or districts..

There are lesser kings known as Commanders Budui (部隊): Historically a term for military units, but here used as a title for local chieftains or district leaders under the principal King. who do not provide military aid to one another in times of conflict. They send tribute to the Imperial Court original: 國朝 (Guochao). A respectful reference to the reigning Ming Dynasty. at irregular intervals. Both the princes of the kingdom and the sons of their ministers original: 陪臣 (peichen). Literally "subordinate officials," referring to the ministers of a vassal state in relation to the Chinese Emperor. all enter the Imperial Academy original: 太學 (Taixue). The highest rank of educational institution in traditional China, located in the capital. to engage in study.