A framed sign displayed behind a reconstructed throne at the Seiden main hall of Shuri-jo castle was likely lost in a fire on Oct. 31. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

NAHA--Although fire destroyed large portions of Shuri-jo castle here, about 1,000 priceless art objects dating to the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429-1879) were spared in fireproof storage facilities on the grounds.

But another 400 or so art objects that were kept elsewhere have likely been destroyed in the fire.

The damage from the early morning blaze on Oct. 31 was so extensive that an accounting of what had been saved could not be made until now.

According to the Okinawa Churashima Foundation, which manages the Shuri-jo castle, the 1,075 art objects were found in the two fireproof storage structures. While the doors to the storage facilities were warped by the heat from the fire, the items kept within were largely saved from damage.

Some of the art objects were moved to other locations from Nov. 3.

The Okinawa Churashima Foundation possessed 1,496 art objects, such as paintings, lacquerware, written documents and dyed textiles, at the castle. Of that number, 1,075 were kept in the storage facilities in the Nanden and in a building behind the Seiden main hall. The two halls were both destroyed by the fire.

Among the art objects saved were three items designated by the Okinawa prefectural government as important cultural properties.

Experts will assess the level of damage to the art objects.

"The art and crafts objects from the Ryukyu Kingdom are very valuable because many have been lost as a result of World War II and for other reasons," said Masayuki Dana, the head of the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum.

Art objects that were on display at the structures damaged by the fire have likely been lost, foundation officials said.