Exquisite Japanese wagasa paper umbrella

Wagasa really became an object of secrecy after the Edo period, ie mid-Meiji and Taisho. At this time, the demand for wagasa production increased constantly and there were more than 100 production workshops.

Initially, Japanese nobles used sunshades only. Later, when the water-proof technique developed, even when used in rainy times, it gradually brought the function of a jewelry. However, when the West was introduced, wagasa lost its position because it was not practical, the price was much more expensive.

Although of Chinese origin, it is the Japanese who make the umbrella perfect. The reason, though named wagasa, is to remind the main material of its beauty: washi paper, traditional Japanese paper. Bamboo frames are separated from a large bamboo stem. There are a total of 50 frames and all are cut to equal thickness.

Wagashi paper making process is also very picky, with materials from the core of three precious plants grown in Japan. This type of paper is very durable and that is also the reason for increasing the price of this product very much.

To complete an umbrella, artisans have to spend several months working meticulously. After finishing the frame, they also took a lot of time to paint with lacquer decoration. The main motifs often appear on wagasa are topics related to old stories or natural patterns such as birds, flowers, fruits and beautiful girls.

Today, the wagasa umbrella is extremely loved by international visitors and becomes a souvenir that anyone who has ever come to the land of cherry blossoms wants to "buy" about.