Oil-paper umbrella, a traditional rain gear with a long history and rich cultural significance, is made from oil paper and possesses a profound cultural heritage. This article will provide an overview of oil-paper umbrellas, including their definition, history, crafting techniques, cultural significance, and usage methods, aiming to offer readers a better understanding of this traditional craft.
what does Chinese oil paper umbrella?
The oil-paper umbrella is a type of rain gear featuring an oil-paper canopy, typically constructed from materials such as bamboo, wood, or metal. This rain accessory is characterized by its lightweight, aesthetic appeal, and durability, effectively providing protection from wind and rain and offering convenience to individuals.
The canopy of the oil-paper umbrella is crafted from natural fiber materials like hemp and mulberry bark, which possess excellent waterproof and corrosion-resistant properties.
Beyond its practical utility, the oil-paper umbrella holds profound cultural significance. When not in use, the umbrella can be folded and stored in a dry place. Its crafting process is intricate, involving multiple steps, yet its attributes of being lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting make it an indispensable item in people’s daily lives.
what are oil-paper umbrellas made of?
Materials for Making Oil-Paper Umbrellas:
Umbrella Ribs: The main support structure of the oil-paper umbrella, including the main ribs, secondary ribs, and umbrella ribs.
Cotton Thread: Used to create the umbrella canopy, the raw material is harvested from natural wild bamboo leaves, which are manually woven together.
Oil Paper: Covers the bamboo ribs to enhance the bond between the bamboo structure and the canopy, providing waterproofing.
Rattan, Umbrella Tip, Umbrella Handle: Other components of the oil-paper umbrella.
Tung Oil: Offers waterproofing and is a type of paint. It comes in various grades; choose a lighter one.
Other: Includes gauze, sandpaper, brushes, and finishing cloth.
Sichuan’s Luzhou oil-paper umbrella, also known as “Fenshui Oil-Paper Umbrella,” is made from local materials such as tung oil, bamboo, rattan, wood, and leather paper. The umbrella is lightweight and visually pleasing, with a canopy that combines both poetry and painting. The crafting process is complex. To complete one oil-paper umbrella, it undergoes over 90 steps including sawing, twisting, edging, pasting paper, binding, oiling, and baking. Each step is indispensable. The finished product boasts excellent quality, enduring more than 3,000 openings and closings without damage, and remaining undamaged even after soaking in water for 24 hours. It can withstand winds of up to level five without deformation.
what are oil-paper umbrellas used for?
The oil-paper umbrella is a traditional Chinese rain gear with a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty. The canopy of the oil-paper umbrella is made from oil-treated paper, which effectively waterproofs and shields against rain. The handle and ribs of the oil-paper umbrella are typically crafted from bamboo or wood.
Initially designed to shield against rain during wet weather, the use of oil-paper umbrellas has expanded over time to encompass several aspects:
Everyday Use: Oil-paper umbrellas have become an everyday item, used to provide shade from the sun and protection from rain when people are out and about.
Wedding Symbolism: In traditional Chinese wedding customs, red oil-paper umbrellas are often used by the bride and groom to symbolize happiness and auspiciousness.
Warding Off Evils: In Chinese folklore and beliefs, oil-paper umbrellas are believed to possess the power to ward off evil and calamities. It is believed that having a red oil-paper umbrella can bring about safety and good fortune.
Ancestral Worship: In certain regions, oil-paper umbrellas are used in ancestral worship ceremonies to show respect and remembrance for ancestors.
Cultural Symbol: Oil-paper umbrellas hold significant meaning in literature and art. Many poets and artists have taken them as subjects, expressing insights and emotions related to nature and culture.
In Taoist celebrations, it is also common to see oil-paper umbrellas being used as coverings on divine palanquins. This is because oil-paper umbrellas are believed to possess the power of averting negativity and attracting positive energy.
Types of are oil paper
The oil-paper umbrella is a traditional Chinese rain gear. The canopy of the oil-paper umbrella is made from oil-treated paper, which effectively waterproofs and shields against rain. The handle and ribs of the oil-paper umbrella are typically crafted from bamboo or wood.
Initially designed to shield against rain during wet weather, the use of oil-paper umbrellas has expanded over time to encompass several aspects:
Everyday Use: Oil-paper umbrellas have become an everyday item, used to provide shade from the sun and protection from rain when people are out and about.
Wedding Symbolism: In traditional Chinese wedding customs, red oil-paper umbrellas are often used by the bride and groom to symbolize happiness and auspiciousness.
Warding Off Evils: In Chinese folklore and beliefs, oil-paper umbrellas are believed to possess the power to ward off evil and calamities. It is believed that having a red oil-paper umbrella can bring about safety and good fortune.
Ancestral Worship: In certain regions, oil-paper umbrellas are used in ancestral worship ceremonies to show respect and remembrance for ancestors.
Cultural Symbol: Oil-paper umbrellas hold significant meaning in literature and art. Many poets and artists have taken them as subjects, expressing insights and emotions related to nature and culture.
are oil paper umbrellas waterproof?
The oil-paper umbrella possesses effective waterproofing qualities:
- The oil-paper umbrella is designed to provide shelter from wind and rain. Since paper is prone to absorbing water, soaking the paper in tung oil prevents water from seeping in, thereby serving its purpose of rain protection. It depends on material analysis.
- Generally, in ancient times, people also used oil-paper umbrellas to shield themselves from rain. Ancient oil-paper umbrellas were typically effective in blocking rain. However, modern oil-paper umbrellas differ from their ancient counterparts. To reduce costs, some manufacturers may compromise on materials during the umbrella-making process, using subpar materials.
- Under normal circumstances, an umbrella with a canopy made from authentic, naturally treated cotton paper soaked in tung oil can indeed provide rain and waterproofing. However, if the canopy is made from gauze cloth, it won’t be waterproof and cannot protect against rain. Thus, this is determined by the materials used. The oil-paper umbrella is made from “oil paper,” which is cotton paper soaked in tung oil. Tung oil is derived from the seeds of the tung tree and was found by ancient people to dry easily in the air. When applied to surfaces like wood or metal, it forms a protective layer that is waterproof, rust-resistant, and corrosion-resistant, hence the term “oil paint.” By immersing thick paper or thin fabric in tung oil, you get “oil paper” that’s resistant to dampness, and this is used to make umbrellas.
how to make Chinese oil paper umbrella?
The traditional saying about the crafting process goes: “Seventy-two and a half procedures, excluding moving in and moving out.” This means the steps of bringing the materials in and taking the finished product out are not counted. In handmade umbrella production, there are approximately seventy-two steps. Here is an outline of the process:
Umbrella Rib Crafting: Involves setting up ribs and punching holes.
Frame Construction: Using bamboo strips or wooden boards to create the frame. After shaping, the frame is coated with lacquer to ensure a smoother umbrella surface.
Applying Tung Oil: Tung oil is brushed onto the umbrella surface to provide waterproofing and mold resistance, protecting the umbrella from moisture damage.
Canopy Making: Specially designed tools carve patterns onto the umbrella surface, followed by applying paste to match the design with the existing patterns.
Affixing Cloth: Applying tung oil onto white cloth, which is used to affix the canopy.
Attaching Handle: A metal rod is used to connect the umbrella ribs to the handle, then secured.
Handle Installation: Iron wire is threaded through the handle to secure it.
Materials Used in Production:
Umbrella Ribs: Made from bamboo with diameters ranging from 2.5 to 5 centimeters.
Canopy: Utilizes high-quality paper or paper soaked in tung oil.
Handle: Crafted from premium wood materials, available in bamboo or wooden styles, and sometimes woven from bamboo threads.
Umbrella Handle Grip: Created from the same materials as the handle. Available in round and square shapes, or woven from bamboo threads, often used for performances, known as a “performance handle.”
Oil-paper Umbrella: The canopy is made from paper soaked in high-quality tung oil, commonly used for performances, known as an “oil-paper umbrella.” The umbrella frame can also be crafted from materials like boxwood, Chinese toon wood, or rosewood.
Printing: Colorful designs are printed onto the umbrella canopy, including flowers, birds, fish, insects, landscapes, and figures. Red is often used as a background to convey festive atmospheres.
Embroidery: Designs are drawn on the canopy and enhanced with embroidery techniques, featuring patterns like phoenixes, dragons, and phoenix-dragon motifs.
oil-paper umbrella history
The oil-paper umbrella is one of the traditional items of the Han ethnic group, with a history of over 1000 years.
The history of umbrella-making in China dates back a long time. The earliest form of an umbrella is said to have been invented by Yun Shi, the wife of the famous ancient Chinese carpenter Luban (also known as Lu Ban).
According to legend, in the late Spring and Autumn period, the renowned master carpenter Luban often worked outdoors. When it rained, he would get wet. Ancient texts recorded: “Yun Shi split bamboo into strips, covered it with animal hide, folded it like a stick, and opened it like a canopy.” This implies that Luban’s wife, Yun Shi, wanted to create something to shield from rain. She split bamboo into thin strips, covered them with animal hide, forming something like a “pavilion,” which could be folded like a stick and opened like a canopy. In reality, this was the precursor of the umbrella. This story indicates that the originator of the umbrella was Yun Shi, the wife of Luban, and it also reveals that the history of umbrellas in China dates back thousands of years.
According to historical records, during the Han Dynasty and afterward, people started using more affordable paper coated with tung oil to make rain umbrellas. During the Tang and Song Dynasties, paper-made oil-paper umbrellas began to spread among the common people. By the Qing Dynasty, elaborately painted flower umbrellas emerged.
During the Tang Dynasty, the oil-paper umbrella spread to Japan and Korea. In early Japan, the oil-paper umbrella was referred to as “Tang umbrella.” After reaching other Asian regions like Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos, the oil-paper umbrella incorporated local cultures, leading to the development of distinct styles and names.
In the Song Dynasty, the oil-paper umbrella was known as the “green oil-paper umbrella.” Throughout subsequent dynasties, there were continuous improvements, resulting in various types of umbrellas such as paper umbrellas, oil umbrellas, and foldable umbrellas. Eventually, this traditional item evolved into the commonly used product we know today, with a history of over 1000 years.
Song Yingxing’s “Tiangong Kaiwu” mentions: “For the pasting of rain umbrellas and oil fans, small pieces of leather paper are used.” Shen Kuo’s “Dream Pool Essays” also notes: “Using a new red oil umbrella, [it] can shade under the sun.” Literary works like “The Legend of the White Snake” also feature references to the oil-paper umbrella.
oil-paper umbrella origin
The oil-paper umbrella is one of the traditional items of the Han ethnic group, with a history of over 1000 years. According to relevant records, after the Han Dynasty, people began to use more affordable paper coated with tung oil to make umbrellas. This type of paper-made oil-paper umbrella gradually became popular among the people and became an indispensable item in their daily lives.
The craftsmanship of making oil-paper umbrellas is exquisite, entirely done by hand. The umbrella frame is crafted from hand-cut bamboo strips, while the umbrella surface is made from cotton paper coated with natural waterproof tung oil. This umbrella not only possesses practicality but also holds unique cultural significance. In ancient times, the oil-paper umbrella was seen as a symbol of reunion, auspiciousness, and happiness. Therefore, during joyous occasions such as weddings and childbirth, the oil-paper umbrella was an essential item.
who invented oil-paper umbrella?
The inventor of the oil-paper umbrella is Yun Shi, as recorded in the “Yuxie.” She was the wife of Lu Ban and was born in the late Spring and Autumn period in the state of Qi’s Luye (modern-day Jinan). Yun Shi’s initial intention in inventing the umbrella was to provide shade from the sun and shelter from the rain, making it convenient for people to travel. The craftsmanship of creating the umbrella is entirely done by hand, using bamboo strips hand-cut for the umbrella frame and cotton paper coated with natural waterproof tung oil for the umbrella surface.
when was the oil paper umbrella invented?
The oil-paper umbrella is believed to have been invented during the late Spring and Autumn period in ancient China, which corresponds to around the 5th to 3rd century BCE. The exact date of its invention is not well-documented, but it’s attributed to Yun Shi, the wife of the famous Chinese carpenter and inventor Lu Ban. The umbrella’s invention aimed to provide protection from both the sun and the rain, making it a practical tool for daily life.
what are oil-paper umbrella symbolizes?
The oil-paper umbrella, due to its long history, classical nostalgia, rich symbolism, and auspicious connotations, is deeply cherished by various groups of people. Chinese oil-paper umbrella culture is primarily manifested in the following aspects:
Symbolizing having many children and much happiness: The word “oil-paper” sounds similar to “having children” in Chinese. The umbrella frame resembles the shape of the Chinese character “人” (meaning “person”), which is composed of several of these characters. The traditional character for “umbrella” is “傘,” which, when viewed from a complex character perspective, consists of the character for “person” repeated four times underneath the character for “person,” symbolizing the hope for many generations of offspring to succeed.
Symbolizing continuous advancement: The umbrella ribs are made of bamboo, which signifies peace and safety, symbolizing the idea of steady advancement.
Symbolizing harmony, reunion, and peace: The umbrella’s circular shape signifies harmony, reunion, and peace.
Symbolizing enduring love for a century: Throughout history, the oil-paper umbrella has witnessed numerous classic love stories. For instance, in the legend of the “White Snake,” Xu Xian and the White Snake use a red umbrella as a medium for their love, enduring storms and rain on the Broken Bridge of West Lake, creating an everlasting romantic tale. The poem “Rainy Alley” by Dai Wangshu describes a picturesque scene of “ancient town + rainy alley + oil-paper umbrella + beautiful woman,” making the oil-paper umbrella a symbol of romantic classical love.
Warding off disaster, expelling evil, and bringing peace and auspiciousness: In Chinese folklore, it is said that camphor oil can ward off disaster, expel evil, and ward off ghosts. Having a camphor oil paper umbrella at home is believed to bring peace and auspiciousness.
Ancestor worship: In many places, there is a custom of using oil-paper umbrellas to worship ancestors. This practice originated from the image of emperors using yellow-gabled umbrellas, symbolizing their supreme status. Using an oil-paper umbrella for ancestral worship signifies the esteemed position of ancestors in the underworld, implying their freedom from suffering and the hope for swift reincarnation.
Wishing success in the imperial examination: In ancient China, there was a custom for scholars traveling to the capital for imperial examinations or officials assuming office. They would carry a red oil-paper umbrella in their baggage, referred to as a “package umbrella” or “fortune-protecting umbrella,” to wish for a safe journey and top achievements. In many places, friends, parents, and classmates would gift an oil-paper umbrella to wish for success in the college entrance examination.
Celebrations and festivities: A red oil-paper umbrella symbolizes celebrations. In many regions of China, customs such as birthdays, weddings, childbirth, housewarming, and promotions still involve the gifting of red oil-paper umbrellas.
oil-paper umbrella in Chinese wedding
In traditional Chinese weddings, the oil-paper umbrella is an indispensable item. In ancient China, during a bride’s departure to her husband’s home, a red oil-paper umbrella would be held over her by the matchmaker to ward off evil spirits. This practice has continued to the present day, becoming an essential ritual in traditional Chinese weddings.
The shape and color of the oil-paper umbrella hold special symbolic meanings. The umbrella’s shape symbolizes “branching out and flourishing,” signifying the couple’s future success and the prosperity of their family. The color of the umbrella is typically red, representing auspiciousness, joy, and warmth.
During the wedding ceremony, the oil-paper umbrella plays a significant role. Guided by the matchmaker, the bride and groom walk hand in hand under the oil-paper umbrella. This ritual, known as “passing under the umbrella,” signifies the protection of the couple from life’s challenges and blessings for their future happiness.
Apart from its role in weddings, the oil-paper umbrella is also a traditional folk handicraft. The craft of making oil-paper umbrellas has a long history and involves intricate processes. The materials and craftsmanship involved in creating oil-paper umbrellas hold artistic value, making them sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
oil-paper umbrella in Chinese Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival: During the Mid-Autumn Festival, oil-paper umbrellas play a significant role. They serve not only as decorative items enhancing the festive atmosphere but also symbolize the Chinese people’s longing for reunion and happiness. On this occasion, people hang a lantern under the umbrella, known as the “dragon lantern,” which represents auspiciousness and good fortune, symbolizing the soaring dragon in the sky. By dancing with the dragon lantern, people hope to bring good luck and happiness to themselves and their families.
Qixi Festival: The Qixi Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday aimed at inheriting and promoting the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation. Various regions hold a variety of celebratory activities, including the making, use, gifting, or selling of oil-paper umbrellas. During the Qixi Festival, businesses offer a range of oil-paper umbrellas in different styles and prices to meet consumers’ demands. Moreover, some places organize exhibitions and performances related to oil-paper umbrellas to engage more people in the celebration of the Qixi Festival.
The Meaning of Giving Oil Umbrella as a Gift
The symbolism of giving an oil paper umbrella includes:
Blessing and Nobility: In ancient times, the oil paper umbrella was an elegant symbol. As a gift, it represents respect and blessings towards the recipient.
Protection and Safety: Oil paper umbrellas are believed to ward off evil spirits. When given as a gift, they symbolize protection and wishes for the recipient’s safety.
Reunion and Happiness: The round shape of the oil paper umbrella signifies reunion. When given as a gift, it represents wishes for family togetherness and happiness.
Giving to Family: Never apart, providing shelter from the wind and rain.
Giving to Loved Ones: A single oil paper umbrella signifies the destined bond from past lives to this one, an unchanging promise to weather life’s storms together.
Giving to Friends, Comrades, Classmates: Offering you warm assistance whenever you need it.
Giving to Colleagues: Thank you for your continuous support.
Giving to Superiors: Grateful for your nurturing, ready to serve you faithfully all the way.
Giving to Teachers: Thank you for your selfless guidance. Amidst the busyness, please take care of your health. Students hold concern and gratitude in their hearts.
oil paper umbrella vs wagasa umbrella
The oil paper umbrella and the wagasa umbrella are both traditional types of umbrellas, but they originate from different cultures and have distinct characteristics:
Oil Paper Umbrella:
Origin: China
Materials: Made with a bamboo frame and covered with oiled paper, which is treated with tung oil for waterproofing.
Usage: Primarily used for protection from rain and sunlight.
Symbolism: In Chinese culture, it carries various symbolic meanings such as auspiciousness, protection from evil, and marital bliss. It is often used in weddings and other festive occasions.
Craftsmanship: Handmade with intricate craftsmanship, involving processes like carving, painting, and assembly.
Wagasa Umbrella:
Origin: Japan
Materials: Made with a bamboo frame and covered with Japanese washi paper, which is treated with persimmon juice for waterproofing.
Usage: Mainly used as traditional Japanese sun umbrellas in cultural events, tea ceremonies, and festivals. They are not commonly used for protection from heavy rain.
Symbolism: Reflects Japanese aesthetics and cultural heritage, often associated with traditional arts and rituals.
Craftsmanship: Also handmade with attention to detail, involving techniques like paper dyeing, painting, and lacquering.
While both umbrellas share some similarities in terms of being traditional handcrafted items with cultural significance, they have different historical roots, materials, purposes, and cultural contexts. The oil paper umbrella is deeply tied to Chinese traditions, while the wagasa umbrella is a distinct symbol of Japanese culture and aesthetics.
where are oil-paper umbrella made?
Luzhou Sichuan
Luzhou, located in Sichuan Province, has a history of umbrella craftsmanship dating back to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, similar to that of Luzhou Laojiao liquor.
During the 1940s and 1950s, the “golden era” of Luzhou oil paper umbrellas emerged. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Zhuzi Street, near the Xiaoshi Wharf in Luzhou, became known as the “Oil Paper Umbrella Street.” At its peak, Luzhou had over 100 oil paper umbrella factories, with tens of thousands of workers, mainly concentrated in areas like Lantian, Taian, and Shawan in the present Jiangyang District. They produced around 20 million “big red umbrellas” annually.
By the 1970s, practical and convenient steel-frame umbrellas gradually replaced oil paper umbrellas, leading many in the Luzhou umbrella industry to shift to other occupations. By the 1990s, very few people were still engaged in oil paper umbrella production.
With the popularity of Western-style umbrellas, the craftsmanship of Luzhou oil paper umbrellas declined. The labor-intensive and costly production process, along with its minimal profits, made it less attractive to younger generations. By 2004, there were only around thirty master craftsmen continuing this tradition, raising concerns about the potential loss of Luzhou oil paper umbrella craftsmanship.
In October 2005, Shanghai Guinness World opened its doors again to Luzhou oil paper umbrellas, marking the beginning of a revival in the local industry.
Luzhou boasts a history of over 400 years in oil paper umbrella production. In 2008, the craftsmanship of Luzhou oil paper umbrellas was recognized as a “National Intangible Cultural Heritage,” often referred to as a “living fossil” of Chinese folk umbrella art. CCTV has featured special reports on it.
Luzhou oil paper umbrellas exhibit the following characteristics:
Long history: A quintessential Chinese folk and antique craft with centuries of tradition.
Preservation of traditional methods: Luzhou oil paper umbrellas largely maintain their traditional manual crafting techniques, earning them the reputation as a “living fossil” of Chinese umbrella art, ensuring continuity.
Special craftsmanship: The production process of Luzhou oil paper umbrellas is distinctive, creating functional rain gear that combines aesthetics with practicality.
Durability and diversity: These umbrellas are enduring, intricately crafted, diverse in design, and visually appealing. Innovative businesses have integrated traditional and modern cultures to promote the development of Luzhou oil paper umbrellas.
Tourist attraction: The local industry has seen an increasing number of workshops, enterprises, and individuals engaging in oil paper umbrella production in recent years. With some modern innovations such as computer-printed umbrella surfaces, it has become a significant sector of the local tourism industry. Fenshui Oil Paper Umbrella Factory is the sole remaining producer using traditional methods of tung oil and stone printing. Its craftsmanship is revered as a “living fossil” of Chinese folk umbrella art and is the only “National Intangible Cultural Heritage” in the oil paper umbrella industry. Fenshui Oil Paper Umbrella has been featured on national TV channels and has participated in international and national exhibitions over twenty times.
The most distinctive “manchuanshan” umbrella is sewn with five-colored threads through over two thousand stitches, employing bamboo switches, making it a unique masterpiece in the umbrella world.
Materials and Process:
Local production of oil paper umbrellas still adheres to traditional methods, involving over 70 manual steps. Everything from bamboo shaving to pattern portrayal is done by hand without machines. Traditional materials like “tongmu” are used for umbrella struts, which must be sourced from mountains.
Tools used in the process are historically significant; for instance, the oil ink stone printing technique has been in use for over 450 years. Patterns are also carefully selected to match different festive occasions. Wedding umbrellas feature designs like “Dragon and Phoenix in Harmony,” “Cowherd and Weaver Girl,” and “Celestial Maiden and Mortal.”
Umbrellas gifted to celebrate a child’s birth might depict “Two Dragons Seeking Treasures,” “Precious Lotus Lamp,” “Magpies Celebrating Plum Blossoms,” and “Fairy Scattering Flowers.” Those intended for birthdays may showcase “Myriad Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,” “Evergreen Pine,” “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea,” and “Pengzu the Old Sage.”
BeiJing
Ruo Shui Tang Oil Paper Umbrella Workshop, originating in Beijing, has a history of over 100 years and is still thriving today. Since the Qing Dynasty, it has gained renown across the northern and southern regions of China. Compared to ordinary oil umbrellas used by the general public, Ruo Shui Tang’s umbrella craftsmanship is more intricate and refined. The umbrella ribs and handle are meticulously carved from perennial Purple Bamboo and treated with smoking to enhance their strength. The umbrella surface is crafted from resilient leather paper, meticulously painted and repeatedly coated with persimmon oil and tung oil for waterproofing, durability, and strength.
In the year 1886 of the Guangxu era during the Qing Dynasty, Gao Congxi, originally from Pingyao, Shanxi Province, established the Ruo Shui Tang Oil Paper Umbrella Workshop at the Zhushi Market in Beijing. The shop employed over twenty assistants and more than ten Southern and Northern style painters. Their meticulous craftsmanship and superb artistry, especially in hand-painted realistic peony oil paper umbrellas and Northern Song landscape-themed oil paper umbrellas, stood out. The reputation quickly spread across the capital city, with dignitaries, elite figures, and ladies clamoring to purchase. Artisans from various regions flocked to exchange and learn, creating a trend.
Since the 1960s and 1970s, impacted by modern industrialization and the limitations of intricate handcrafting, many oil paper umbrella manufacturers gradually exited the daily rain gear market. However, the innate elegance of oil paper umbrellas remains unmatched by nylon or steel-frame umbrellas. Ruo Shui Tang shifted towards export-oriented processing, producing traditional handmade oil paper umbrellas for Taiwan, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Before the opening of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, with government support and encouragement, venerable oil paper umbrella brands like Ruo Shui Tang expanded their production scales, preserving a century-old craftsmanship with over seventy manual steps. The umbrella surface continues to be hand-painted, featuring traditional themes like birds, flowers, figures, and landscapes. Innovations such as the “Changzhang Wrinkle Cloud Tang Umbrella” and the “Ancient Paper Inlaid with Natural Leaves Oil Paper Umbrella” were developed, used for decoration and gifts in the Olympic news center, receiving favorable feedback from the market.
Ruo Shui Tang Oil Paper Umbrellas have a production and painting center in Penggezhuang Town, Daxing District, Beijing, as well as a product exhibition center and sales outlets in downtown Beijing. Their products are also sold in Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Zhejiang Yuhang
The art of making paper umbrellas in Yuhang, Zhejiang, dates back at least 230 years. In the 34th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1769), Dong Wenyuan established an umbrella shop with nine sections.
Yuhang oil paper umbrellas come in various types, including fishing boat umbrellas and cultural umbrellas. Due to their exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality materials, these umbrellas are durable, capable of enduring exposure to sun and rain without falling apart or tearing. They gained popularity, and many tourists passing through Yuhang used to knock on doors at midnight to purchase umbrellas as gifts for their hometown friends and relatives.
In 1951, Zhejiang Province selected Yuhang paper umbrellas as a pilot project for cooperative handcrafting, forming a “Umbrella Production Cooperative Group.” By the end of 1952, a “Umbrella Handicraft Cooperative” was established, becoming the first handicraft production cooperative in the province, attracting widespread media coverage. With the appearance of steel-framed umbrellas for both sunny and rainy days on the market, these traditional paper umbrellas gradually faded away, and the Yuhang oil paper umbrella craftsmanship faced the risk of extinction.
Until December 5, 2006, when Jiang Jun, Deputy Secretary of the Yuhang District Committee and Acting District Chief, visited the village of Pingyao Pottery Pier, master umbrella maker Liu Youquan expressed his desire to revive Yuhang oil paper umbrellas. He intended to develop traditional handicrafts to create tourism products for the local mountain residents, aligning with the trend of rural tourism. Liu Youquan had the idea to continue this traditional craft when oil paper umbrellas were being phased out. He purchased 100 bamboo umbrella frames from a manufacturer in Fuyang for a few hundred yuan. However, he did not possess the processing techniques at the time and could only store these umbrella frames, safeguarding them for over thirty years.
On December 7, the headline of the “Urban and Rural Guide” reported “Looking for Umbrella Masters to Revive ‘Yuhang Oil Paper Umbrellas’,” capturing the local community’s attention. By December 19, four master craftsmen—Fang Jinquan, Chen Yuexiang, Shen Lihua, and Sun Shuigen—gathered in Tangbu Village, Pingyao Town, to discuss the revival of Yuhang oil paper umbrellas. With their dexterous hands, they successfully resumed making oil paper umbrellas in January 2007. They passed on their skills in Tangbu Village, igniting prosperity among a large group of bamboo farmers in the mountain area. The Yuhang District Bureau of Culture and Tourism prioritized protecting paper umbrellas as a folk handicraft project, and the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture included Yuhang oil paper umbrellas in the Zhejiang Intangible Cultural Heritage List. In June of the same year, Yuhang paper umbrellas were exhibited at the first Hangzhou Non-material Cultural Heritage Protection Achievement Exhibition.
The crafting process demands high manual skill. Umbrella makers complete their work based on their experience and techniques, which are passed down from master to apprentice through oral instruction and hands-on practice. Apprentices require three years to become proficient. Specialized tools are forged by blacksmiths, and the umbrella’s materials are also carefully chosen. The best peach blossom paper is used for the umbrella surface, immersed in persimmon lacquer, then carefully attached to the umbrella frame one by one.
Persimmon lacquer is made from the juice of persimmons, extracted when the persimmons are still green. It has adhesive properties without sticking to the peach blossom paper. Umbrella handles and frames are made from bamboo or wood, tied together with hair thread. Once the umbrella surface is attached, patterns are painted on, followed by a coating of tung oil. The umbrellas are then hung indoors to dry, undergoing over 70 processes, including cutting bamboo, scraping, planing, splitting bones, grooving, trimming bones, arranging the umbrella frame, threading, pasting, and attaching handles.
Changsha, Hunan
The oil paper umbrella industry in Changsha, Hunan, has a history of over a hundred years. The earliest documented umbrella shop in Changsha is the Taohengtai Paper Umbrella Shop, founded by Tao Jiqiao during the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty. A few years later, he established another umbrella shop called Taohengmao nearby. The “Taohengmao” umbrellas were meticulously crafted, adhering to ancestral techniques and using carefully selected materials. They were made from winter bamboo tubes, high-quality cloud paper, and locally spun earth yarn for the edges.
The crafting process was rigorous, involving the use of silk and cotton for the top layer, hair rope for the central spokes, and silk thread for the umbrella edges. After the umbrella frame was made, it was coated three times with fresh tung oil during the hottest period of summer, resulting in excellent quality and earning a solid reputation.
In 1900, after learning the craft at Liang Hongmao Umbrella Shop on North Zheng Street in Changsha, Liang Jingtang established the Liang Hongfa Umbrella business, producing traditional light oil and black oil paper umbrellas, as well as large umbrellas for special duck sheds. These paper umbrellas were finely crafted and durable, earning the reputation of “Xiangtan wooden clogs, Jinggang oil umbrellas.” In 1921, the Pan Brothers established the Feifei Umbrella Factory, which produced paper umbrellas featuring not only traditional hand-painted designs but also spray-painted, printed, and sticker designs. These umbrellas came in a variety of patterns and were exported to Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia. In 1929, they received a superior award at the Chinese Domestic Goods Exhibition.
Locally produced oil paper umbrellas had an annual production of nearly 30,000 units at their peak. However, in February 1975, the Jinggang Umbrella Society was dissolved, leading to the cessation of oil paper umbrella production in Jinggang and a decline in the paper umbrella industry in other areas of Changsha.
The raw materials for Changsha paper umbrellas include leather paper, Phoebe bamboo, cotton yarn, hair rope, mature tung oil, persimmon water, pigments, horn, and wood.
Hankou, Hubei
The oil-paper umbrellas produced by Su Hengtai Umbrella Shop in Hankou, Hubei, have a history of over a hundred years. In 1864, Su Wen from Hunan invested his savings of 30 strings (1 string being 1000 wen) to venture into umbrella craftsmanship at home. He improved upon the learned techniques and consistently faced high demand for his finished products. Shortly thereafter, he established the Su Hengtai Umbrella Shop near Kuidou Lane at the Guandi Temple on Hanzheng Street, employing 12 workers and 3 apprentices. The shop’s monthly sales reached around 500 to 600 umbrellas, significantly boosting the local umbrella market. Later, a workshop was set up on Xianxian Lane, Da Huo Road, where umbrella production transitioned from individual production to a team of five workers manufacturing umbrella components.
In the ninth year of the Tongzhi era, Su Hengtai achieved monthly sales of 700 umbrellas, yielding an annual profit of nearly 200 strings of currency.
Su Hengtai’s umbrellas were renowned for their high-quality materials. The umbrella ribs were crafted from bamboo sourced from Chaling, Hunan, while the handles were made from Yiyang wood, also from Hunan. The Tung oil came from Changde, and the skin paper was obtained from Yuxi, Shaanxi. The persimmon oil used was from Luotian County, Hubei. These umbrellas could last for 8 to 12 years. They were widely embraced by the local population. In the Jianghan Plain region, it was once fashionable to gift a red and a blue Su Hengtai umbrella to newlyweds – the groom holding the red and the bride holding the blue, symbolizing a harmonious marriage. The tradition continued until 1970 when production of Su Hengtai oil-paper umbrellas ceased, marking the end of this folk craft in the region.
Jialu Village, Jiangxi
Jialu is a natural village located in Wuyuan, Jiangxi. Due to its strategic position along the thoroughfare from Huizhou to Raozhou, it is named “Jiadao,” commonly referred to as “Jialu.”
Jialu has a long-standing tradition of umbrella craftsmanship. According to legend, in the fifth year of the Xianchun era (1269 AD) during the Song Dynasty, Ma Qianluan, the son-in-law of the Prime Minister, retreated to Jialu and brought with him an oil-paper umbrella from the capital city. From that point on, the people of Jialu continuously improved the craft and passed down umbrella-making techniques through generations. During the folk period, Zhang Longsheng from the “Dragon Prosperity” Paper Umbrella Workshop became particularly famous for inventing the bamboo umbrella joint that is still used today.
Jialu umbrellas are renowned for their dexterity, exquisite craftsmanship, and unique style. Legend has it that during the Kangxi era, Huizhou opera was prevalent in Wuyuan (then part of Anhui). Once, Emperor Kangxi, in disguise, visited the Jiangnan region and coincidentally attended an outdoor opera performance. Unfortunately, it rained, and people in the front rows using umbrellas obstructed the view of those behind them. Impatient children threw stones to remove the obstructions, accidentally hitting and breaking an umbrella. Emperor Kangxi was intrigued and promptly inquired about the origin of the umbrellas. It turned out that the intact umbrella was from Jialu, while the broken one was from another place. This incident led to a local saying: “Jingdezhen porcelain, Jialu umbrellas, Hangzhou silk—no need to choose.” This indicates the fame of Jialu’s umbrellas during that time. With the expansion of Hui merchants across the Yangtze River Basin, these umbrellas gained popularity nationwide and even internationally.
As early as the Kangxi year of Jiashu (1694), Jialu’s umbrellas were listed in the “Commodity” section of the Wuyuan County Annals. In the 32nd year of the Republic of China (1943), Jialu Street was home to 36 umbrella workshops, producing 252,000 umbrellas, of which over 176,000 were exported.
In 1936, Jialu’s oil-paper umbrella received a gold award at the International Product Expo. It was also showcased at the 1936 Guangdong-Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi Special Products Joint Exhibition and the 1943 Jiangxi Province Agricultural and Industrial Products Exhibition, receiving acclaim from domestic and foreign consumers.
Jialu oil-paper umbrellas are crafted using pure materials, including high-quality bamboo, silk, satin, skin paper, tung oil, and persimmon oil. The main production steps involve material selection, bamboo cutting, stripping, splitting, bone carving, grooving, hole drilling, axis shaping, component assembly, steaming, drying, handle and joint attachment, umbrella ring winding, mounting, border pasting, painting, rolling, thread threading, oil application, handle fitting, and top knotting. The umbrella’s painted motifs are elegant, suitable for both sunny and rainy days. These durable umbrellas serve as both practical household items and valuable artistic craftsmanship.
In 1990, the Jialu Cultural Station, an advanced cultural center in the country, initiated efforts to preserve traditional umbrella making, blending work with culture. In October 1999, it was officially registered as Wuyuan County Jialu Craft Umbrella Co., Ltd. Thanks to these efforts, this exceptional folk handicraft has been preserved and passed down through generations.
Zhu’an Tang
Oil-paper umbrellas were indispensable daily items in ancient China. Due to geographical limitations, various regions in China developed their own distinct styles of umbrella-making, including the ancient Hui region (modern-day Wuyuan, Jiangxi), Suzhou and Hangzhou, Sichuan’s Luzhou, among others.
The founder of Zhu’an Tang’s oil-paper umbrellas, Mr. Hu Songgui, hails from Wuyuan, Jiangxi. During his youth, he began learning the art of umbrella crafting, drawing inspiration from the essence of the Hui-style umbrella-making technique. Through a fortuitous encounter, he came into contact with the craft of Hangzhou silk umbrellas. This encounter inspired him to blend the practicality of Hui-style oil-paper umbrellas with the beauty and aesthetic value of Hangzhou silk umbrellas, giving rise to a distinct style of oil-paper umbrella that combines the characteristics of both regions.
The inheritors of Zhu’an Tang’s oil-paper umbrella workshop adhere to traditional techniques to create antique-style umbrellas. They meticulously select high-quality bamboo, silk, skin paper, and tung oil, following traditional production processes: material selection, bamboo cutting, stripping, splitting, bone carving, grooving, hole drilling, axis shaping, component assembly, steaming, drying, handle and joint attachment, umbrella ring winding, mounting, border pasting, painting, rolling, thread threading, oil application, handle fitting, and top knotting (comprising more than 80 intricate steps).
Zhu’an Tang places the umbrella at the core, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, intertwining Chinese traditional cultural craftsmanship with contemporary fashion trends, and combining artistic, craftsmanship, aesthetic, collectible, and practical aspects of their products.
Fujian Fuzhou
Oil-paper umbrellas are one of the “Three Treasures of Fuzhou” (the other two being lacquerware and horn combs). They held a significant position in the lives of people in Fuzhou, with a local saying going, “Carry an umbrella in your bundle,” indicating that umbrellas were commonly carried by people going out.
The history of Fuzhou’s oil-paper umbrellas can be traced back to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Wang Shenzhi, who established the Min State after migrating to Fujian, brought umbrella-making techniques from the Central Plains and Jiangsu-Zhejiang areas to Fuzhou.
During the prosperous Qing Dynasty, there were over 300 umbrella shops in the city at its peak. During the anti-Japanese boycott movement after the 1911 Revolution, Fuzhou residents referred to traditional Fuzhou oil-paper umbrellas as “national umbrellas” and promoted their use.
Fuzhou’s oil-paper umbrellas use only high-quality materials from the local or nearby areas. The umbrella ribs are made from sturdy Qingshan bamboo, aged over five years, from northern Fujian. The production involves 83 distinct steps, encompassing processes such as material selection, bamboo preparation, oiling, assembly, painting, and more. Yang Changli Umbrella Shop on Zhongting Street is particularly famous for its meticulous selection of materials, skillful oiling, and elegant painting. The bamboo used must be Qingshan bamboo, and the umbrella paper must be specially-made cotton paper from Fujian Province.
In 1915, at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, judges tested a “Double Happiness Brand” paper umbrella produced by Yang Changli and found it could withstand 1170 cycles of repeated opening without breaking, losing threads, or cracking grooves. It survived a level-five headwind for 20 minutes without breaking, and after being submerged in boiling water for an extended period, the ribs remained intact and the paper did not disintegrate. As a result, it received a distinguished award.
In 1933, it also received recognition at the Chicago Century of Progress Exposition. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, Fuzhou’s oil-paper umbrellas received multiple local commendations.
Fuzhou’s umbrella-making tradition is divided into five crafts: making the ribs, making the umbrella, crafting the umbrella head, producing the handle, and painting. While “making the umbrella” is the mainstream, other parts like ribs and handles are often sourced externally. “Houzhou Bang” excels in producing ribs, crafting them seamlessly like a bamboo tube. The Wang Yiquan family in Yang Zhongting is renowned for handle crafting.
Prominent umbrella painters include Cheng Jiabao, Lin Yongqin, and Liu Mengqiu. Cheng Jiabao is skilled in both calligraphy and painting, Lin Yongqin excels in flowers, birds, and figures, and Liu Mengqiu is well-known for his Western-style landscape paintings.
During the Great Leap Forward, local umbrella factories merged into the “Fuzhou Umbrella Factory.” Due to competition from Wenzhou’s imitative silk umbrellas, Lin Yongqin was sent to Wenzhou to learn and adapt Fuzhou’s oil-paper umbrella, which then sold well in Southeast Asia and locally.
After the Cultural Revolution, due to the popularity of cloth umbrellas, Fuzhou’s oil-paper umbrellas shifted from practical items to artistic crafts.
In the 1990s, the Fuzhou Umbrella Factory exported its umbrellas to Japan, Europe, and Southeast Asia. They improved the umbrella’s materials and techniques, resulting in a “snake umbrella” with 72 ribs, which opens wide and folds compactly, resembling a snake’s waist.
In the 1990s, Lin Aizhi, a leader of the Fuzhou Municipal Party Committee, participated in the Seattle World Umbrella Arts Festival and showcased a large red umbrella, creating a sensation.
In 1997, the Fuzhou Umbrella Factory closed down, leading to the decline of Fuzhou’s umbrella industry. Currently, only one workshop in Fuzhou’s Ximen continues to produce paper umbrellas for export to Japan. Some umbrella craftsmen, even after switching professions, still hope to revitalize the umbrella-making industry with local government support.
Fujian Yangkou
Fujian Nanping Yangkou Town’s oil-paper umbrella is one of the “Three Yangkou Brands” (the other two being Shuikou and Minqingkou). Production began in the early 20th century, with annual production peaking at over 50,000 umbrellas.
It was once considered an honor for brides from the southeast Gan region to bring these umbrellas as dowries. In the 1970s, traditional oil-paper umbrellas were gradually replaced by modern cloth and folding umbrellas. Local production shifted towards smaller, lightweight, and aesthetically pleasing flower umbrellas. The hand-painted patterns on the umbrella surface won the Fujian Arts and Crafts Hundred Flowers Award in the 1980s. These umbrellas are now exported to Southeast Asia, Europe, America, and other regions.
Yunnan Xingyang
The umbrella-making industry in Xingyang Village, Tengchong, Yunnan, has a history of over 200 years, spanning nine generations. It’s also known as the “paper umbrella.” According to legend, a man named Zheng Yigong, who served in the county yamen in Tengyuecheng, got acquainted with two skilled umbrella craftsmen named Zhang and Zhou from Xijie. He learned the craft from them and brought it back to his hometown, where the tradition has been passed down. The oil-paper umbrellas produced locally used to supply the entire western Yunnan market. Xingyang has a significant Hakka population, and many villagers were skilled in making paper umbrellas and other woven items. The village leader Zheng Chuanguo mentioned that in the past, around 80% of the villagers in Xingyang could make paper umbrellas and other woven products, and this tradition had been passed down for generations. Currently, only four families remain engaged in making oil-paper umbrellas, with a total of five craftsmen, three of whom are over 80 years old.
Among them, the craftsmanship of the Zheng Jiachao family stands out. They pay careful attention to materials and prepare natural tung oil and persimmon water in the traditional way. The finished products are durable and aesthetically pleasing. They can only make one or two umbrellas in a day. The oil-paper umbrellas made by Zheng Jiachao once won the third prize for Yunnan Provincial Ethnic and Folk Artisans.
Another craftsman, Zheng Yinglou, makes large paper umbrellas. These were often placed in front of shops in the past to provide shade and attract customers, earning them the nickname “zhaopu umbrellas.” Both craftsmen only make umbrellas during their free time.
The flower-patterned paper umbrellas produced here are finely crafted, brightly colored, visually appealing, and of high quality. They were once popular in Baoshan, Dali, Kunming, and other areas. From 1950 to 1951, there were 57 households engaged in the industry, producing 40,000 umbrellas annually. In 1952, there were 60 households and 90 people, with an annual output of 30,000 umbrellas, of which large umbrellas accounted for 10%. In 1953, they embarked on the path of state-owned trade and cooperative processing, improving specifications and quality. The number of perimeter lines increased from four to six. The profit (including tax) for that year was approximately 13,000 RMB. In 1954, there were 62 households and 92 people, with a large number of products sold to Baoshan, the county seat, and exported to Myanmar. From 1958 to 1960, state-owned Sanhua Factory produced small flower-patterned oil-paper umbrellas. After 1965, cloth and nylon umbrellas replaced oil-paper umbrellas for daily use, causing the production of small oil-paper umbrellas to cease. Only a small number of large oil-paper umbrellas were sold to roadside stalls. The local umbrella industry later shifted its focus back to the production of small flower-patterned umbrellas as handicrafts, but the output was not significant. In May 2006, the director of the Cultural Industry Office of Tengchong County, Zhou Te, and others visited the local paper umbrella production base to explore the path of industrialization for the paper umbrella industry. Local umbrella-making mainly aims to inherit folk crafts.
The paper umbrellas use Mao bamboo from Yunhua, Guyong, and other places for the handle and ribs, while the umbrella surface is covered with Guitou’s special paper and coated with bazi oil or tung oil. The process includes rib trimming, string winding, paper mounting, persimmon water application, umbrella assembly, sun-drying, painting, handle attachment, tung oil application, fabric head nailing, handle wrapping, and internal thread threading. On average, it takes half a day to produce a single umbrella.
Sanhe Ancient Town
The oil-paper umbrellas of Sanhe Ancient Town have a history of over 400 years. The craftsmanship of Sanhe Ancient Town’s oil-paper umbrellas won the gold prize for design and production at the “8th China International Tourism Commodities Expo” in Wuhu in 2009.
The umbrellas from Sanhe Ancient Town come in a variety of colors, with over 20 different dyeing shades, such as crimson like the dawn, azure like the sky, or emerald green like clear water. They feature single-color, two-color, and multi-color designs, forming a colorful spectrum. Different techniques, such as brushing, spraying, and painting, are used to create a variety of patterns depicting the ancient town’s landscapes, flowers, birds, mountains, water, and more. These patterns add to the charm of Sanhe Ancient Town’s oil-paper umbrellas, making them even more elegant and appealing.
The umbrella designs showcase the scenery of Sanhe Ancient Town, hence the name “Sanhe Ancient Town Umbrella.” Using methods like printing and dyeing, pasting, hand-painting, and printing, these umbrellas depict the town’s Eight Scenic Spots, small bridges, flowing water, homes, Hui-style courtyards, flowers, landscapes, and female figures. They come in over twenty varieties, including colors like bright red, dark red, peace blue, dark green, peach red, and orange. These umbrellas are characterized by their attractive appearance, meticulous material selection, and exquisite design.
oil-paper umbrella in feng shui
Oil-paper umbrellas hold cultural and symbolic significance in various contexts, including feng shui. Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice that emphasizes achieving harmony between individuals and their environment to promote well-being and the flow of positive energy. While oil-paper umbrellas may not be a central element of feng shui, they can be associated with certain principles and beliefs within feng shui philosophy:
Protection and Shelter: In feng shui, the concepts of protection and shelter are important. Umbrellas are used to shield us from external elements like rain and sunlight. Similarly, in feng shui, creating a sense of security and protection in your living or working space is crucial. The symbolism of an umbrella providing protection can align with the feng shui principle of creating a safe and nurturing environment.
Balancing Elements: Feng shui aims to balance the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) to enhance energy flow and create harmony. The use of natural materials like wood (for the handle), paper (for the canopy), and natural oils (for waterproofing) in the creation of oil-paper umbrellas can be seen as incorporating these elements into the design. Placing an oil-paper umbrella as a decorative item might help contribute to the overall elemental balance in a space.
Symbolism of Flow: In feng shui, the concept of energy flow (Qi) is essential. An open umbrella can symbolize the expansion and upward movement of energy. Opening an umbrella can represent inviting positive energy and opportunities into your life.
Colors and Patterns: The colors and patterns on an oil-paper umbrella can have specific meanings in feng shui. For example, red is associated with luck, happiness, and protection. Floral patterns can represent growth and harmony. Incorporating these colors and patterns into your living space can influence the energetic atmosphere according to feng shui principles.
Enhancing Qi: Feng shui seeks to enhance the flow of positive energy (Qi) throughout a space. Placing an oil-paper umbrella strategically could promote the smooth movement of energy and prevent stagnation.
Cultural Symbolism: Traditional items like oil-paper umbrellas often carry cultural and historical significance. In feng shui, the presence of meaningful objects that resonate with you personally can have a positive impact on your well-being and the energy of a space.
Dream of oil paper umbrella
Dreaming of an oil-paper umbrella suggests that a long-lost friend will become a source of good fortune for you recently. Despite being busy, don’t forget to send your best wishes to friends in your work or studies. Even if you haven’t seen each other in a while, taking the initiative to reach out can often help you alleviate the current tense situation. If you have the time, writing a personalized message of blessing in person would have an even better effect. However, if you have a social gathering today, it’s best not to make overly excessive jokes, or you might end up feeling awkward!
For pregnant individuals dreaming of an oil-paper umbrella, it symbolizes the prediction of having a baby boy, and it’s advisable to take good care of your health during this time.
For individuals in their zodiac birth year dreaming of an oil-paper umbrella, it suggests that obstacles may arise in various matters, and there might be fewer opportunities for outings or distant travels. Be cautious of potential ill-intentioned individuals.
For those in romantic relationships dreaming of an oil-paper umbrella, it indicates that you’re willingly committed to the relationship, and a sincere and harmonious bond can lead to a successful marriage.
For businesspeople dreaming of an oil-paper umbrella, it signifies that joint ventures or partnerships might not be advisable, and you could face obstacles and limited financial gains.
For students dreaming of an oil-paper umbrella, it implies that your performance in humanities subjects might not be ideal, but it won’t significantly affect your admission results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the oil-paper umbrella is a traditional handicraft with a rich history and cultural significance. Its intricate production process involves multiple steps, yet its lightweight, aesthetic appeal, and durability make it an indispensable item in people’s daily lives. In the future, the craft of making oil-paper umbrellas is expected to be better preserved and further developed.
References
- “Non-heritage Experience Activities Held at Beijing No. 18 Middle School West Campus” – People’s Daily Online. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
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- “Announcement of the Ministry of Culture Office on the Publicity of the Recommended List of Representative Inheritors of the Third Batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects” – Shaanxi Weinan City Government Website. June 19, 2009. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
- “Oil-paper Umbrella” – Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China. June 6, 2008. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
- Xu, Jieshun. “Han Ethnic Customs History, Volume 1” – Xuelin Publishing House, 2004.
- “Announcement of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine on the Acceptance of Geographical Indication Product Protection for Longhua Rice and Other Products” – General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China. September 25, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
- “Non-Heritage Inheritor Bi Liufu: Inheriting Oil-paper Umbrella is My Luck” – Chinese Civilization Network. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
- “Umbrella Craftsman Yu Wanlun and His Oil-paper Umbrella Sentiments” – China Internet Information Center. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
