The Empire of the Silver Islands was a proud nation on the exact opposite side of the world from the Land of Oz. The people were dimly aware of their relation to the people of China, a non-magical nation.
The beloved Silver Emperor Chang Wang Woe was cursed by a wicked magician to turn into a crocus plant. From this crocus grew a beanpole which stretched through the planet to the Munchkin Country of Oz. A Scarecrow, placed on the beanpole, came to life with a witty personality, and was believed by the Silver Islanders to be the reincarnation of their great ruler. The Scarecrow fell down a hole to the Islands, and was hailed as their monarch, however his life was threatened by a conspiracy within the royal family. Princess Dorothy of Oz, Sir Hokus of Pokes, and the Cowardly Lion saved the Scarecrow from the cruel princes, and he departed the Islands. Before leaving, he appointed Happy Toko, a palace servant of noble character, as his successor. (The Royal Book of Oz)
Background[]
The Silver Islands are based primarily on China, but there is also a Japanese influence mixed in. Gilbert & Sullivan's imagination of Japan in The Mikado may be a large influence on Ruth Plumly Thompson's depiction of the empire. However, John R. Neill's drawings contain much ethnic humor which has fallen out of favor in popular culture.
The story appears to be inconsistent as to whether the Silver Islands are underground, or are on the other side of the Oz planet (which may or may not be Earth), in a parody of the expression "straight down to China." The evidence seems to favor the latter theory.
The name of the empire is given variously as Silver Islands plural or Silver Island singular.
The Silver Islands do not figure in any other canonical Oz book. Because the ethnic atmosphere does not agree with modern sensibilities, few, if any, modern Oz authors have expressed any desire to return to this setting.