The oil-paper umbrella, a traditional item embodying profound cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship, has been an indispensable element of daily life in China and throughout Asia since ancient times. With a handcrafted bamboo frame and a canopy made of cotton paper coated with natural waterproof tung oil, it serves not only as a practical tool for sun and rain protection but also as a symbol rich in meaning and good fortune.
Who invented the umbrella?
The widely circulated story about the invention of the oil-paper umbrella credits Yun, the wife of Lu Ban, the legendary master carpenter in ancient China. It is said that Lu Ban often worked outdoors and suffered greatly from being caught in the rain. To solve this problem, his wife Yun used her ingenuity to craft a collapsible umbrella made of bamboo and animal skins. This invention not only showcased the wisdom of ancient laborers but also laid the foundation for the later development of the oil-paper umbrella.
With Cai Lun's improvement of papermaking technology during the Eastern Han dynasty, the widespread availability of paper made the creation of oil-paper umbrellas possible. People began to coat paper with tung oil to enhance its waterproof properties, thus giving birth to the oil-paper umbrella. Its lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing qualities quickly led to its widespread use among the common people, becoming an indispensable tool for daily life.
The production of oil-paper umbrellas involves meticulous craftsmanship in every step. From selecting bamboo and carving the ribs to attaching the canopy, painting floral designs, and applying oil, each stage requires careful attention to detail, resulting in the creation of a beautiful and finely crafted umbrella. The patterns on oil-paper umbrellas are varied, often depicting traditional Chinese painting themes such as flowers, birds, landscapes, and figures, making them both visually striking and culturally meaningful.
The oil-paper umbrella was not only widely used in China but also spread to other countries such as Japan and Korea, becoming a symbol of cultural exchange in Asia. Today, although modern rain gear has largely replaced the oil-paper umbrella in daily use, its unique charm and rich cultural heritage continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors. In some ancient towns and tourist destinations in China, oil-paper umbrellas can still be seen, serving as a representation of traditional culture and continuing to preserve and celebrate the ancient and beautiful memories they embody.
when was oil paper umbrellas invented?
The invention of the oil-paper umbrella can be traced back to the late Spring and Autumn period, around the 5th century BCE. It is believed that Yun, the wife of Lu Ban, was the inventor of the earliest form of the umbrella. She ingeniously used materials like bamboo and animal skins to create the first umbrella, laying the foundation for the later development of the oil-paper umbrella.
As papermaking technology improved and paper became more widely available, people began to apply tung oil to the paper to enhance its waterproofing properties, leading to the creation of the true oil-paper umbrella. Known for its lightness, durability, and aesthetic appeal, this type of umbrella became widely used in ancient society, eventually becoming an indispensable rain gear in daily life.
The craftsmanship behind the oil-paper umbrella is highly intricate, requiring numerous painstaking steps to complete. From selecting bamboo and carving the umbrella ribs to attaching the canopy, painting designs, and applying oil, each stage demands the utmost care from the artisans. As a result, each oil-paper umbrella embodies the dedication and hard work of its makers and reflects the advanced craftsmanship of ancient China.
Throughout Chinese history, the oil-paper umbrella was not only a practical tool but also carried rich cultural symbolism. It was often used in weddings, rituals, and other ceremonies, symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and prosperity. The patterns and colors of the umbrellas also reflected the aesthetic values and cultural characteristics of different historical periods.
Today, while modern rain gear has largely replaced the oil-paper umbrella in everyday use, its unique charm and deep cultural significance continue to attract many enthusiasts and collectors. In ancient towns and tourist destinations, the oil-paper umbrella is still visible, serving as a representative of traditional culture and continuing to pass down and celebrate the ancient and beautiful memories it holds.
how are oil paper umbrellas made?
The process of making an oil-paper umbrella is extremely intricate and entirely relies on manual labor. It can generally be divided into the following steps:
- Material Selection and Preparation
Selecting Bamboo: High-quality bamboo or wood is the foundation of making umbrella ribs, typically choosing resilient, lightweight bamboo such as nan bamboo or water bamboo. These bamboos are carefully selected to ensure they are free of pests, cracks, or other defects.
Preparing Other Materials: In addition to bamboo, materials like paper, tung oil, silk thread, and bone glue are also required. The paper used should be durable and absorbent, such as Xuan paper or mulberry bark paper, while tung oil is applied to the umbrella surface to enhance its waterproof properties.
- Making the Umbrella Frame
Shaving the Bamboo: The bamboo is sawed into the appropriate lengths, and the nodes are smoothed with a knife to make the surface even and free of splinters. This step requires the artisan's patience and precision to ensure the ribs are smooth and aesthetically pleasing.
Roasting the Bamboo: The shaved bamboo is roasted over a fire to bend it into the desired shape. This process demands skilled craftsmen to control the heat and pressure to ensure the umbrella ribs are both functional and beautiful.
Drilling Holes: Holes are drilled into one end of each rib to allow for threading and assembly. The position and size of the holes must be precisely controlled to ensure the stability and durability of the frame.
Assembling the Frame: The drilled ribs are arranged in a specific pattern and fixed with silk thread by threading through the holes. Then, the umbrella handle and cap are attached, forming the complete umbrella frame.
- Making the Umbrella Surface
Cutting the Paper: The Xuan or mulberry paper is cut into a circle slightly larger than the frame, leaving extra space for applying tung oil.
Applying Tung Oil: The cut paper is coated with tung oil to make it waterproof. The application must be even, neither too thick nor too thin. This step requires careful craftsmanship to ensure both the waterproofing effect and the beauty of the umbrella surface.
Drying: The oiled paper is left to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- Assembling the Umbrella Surface and Frame
Covering the Frame: The finished paper surface is laid over the assembled frame and secured with silk thread. The surface must be smooth and free of wrinkles during this process.
Trimming: The excess edges of the umbrella surface are trimmed to make it neat and aesthetically pleasing.
- Painting and Decoration
Painting: Artists paint designs or inscribe poetry on the umbrella surface to enhance its artistic value. This process is completed by skilled painters who create works based on traditional Chinese painting themes or folk motifs, making each umbrella vivid and colorful.
Decorating: In addition to painting, fine multicolored threads and other decorative elements may be added to the ribs, further enhancing the visual appeal of the oil-paper umbrella.
- Quality Inspection and Packaging
Quality Inspection: The finished umbrella undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure it is free of defects or damage. Any problems are promptly fixed or remade.
Packaging: Approved oil-paper umbrellas are then packaged, usually in beautifully designed boxes or cloth bags, to protect the umbrella surface from damage.
Through these six steps, a finely crafted oil-paper umbrella is completed. From material selection to crafting and decorating, each step embodies the dedication and wisdom of the artisans. The oil-paper umbrella is not only a practical rain gear but also one of the treasures of traditional Chinese culture.
what are oil paper umbrellas made of?
The oil-paper umbrella is handcrafted using various natural materials, mainly bamboo, paper, and tung oil. The specific materials used in its production are as follows:
Bamboo:
The frame of the oil-paper umbrella is primarily made of bamboo, especially nan bamboo and water bamboo. Nan bamboo is known for its durability and strength, able to withstand the frequent opening and closing of the umbrella, and is often used for the inner ribs. Water bamboo is thin, long, and straight, making it suitable for the umbrella handle.
The bamboo must be carefully selected, shaved, roasted, drilled, and processed to become qualified material for the umbrella ribs.
Paper:
The canopy of the oil-paper umbrella is typically made from bark paper or cotton paper, which are durable, absorbent, and have a certain level of breathability.
Before use, the paper is cut and attached to the umbrella ribs in alignment with the frame’s shape. During production, the paper is also coated with tung oil to enhance its waterproof properties.
Tung Oil:
Tung oil is extracted from the seeds of the tung tree and is refined through boiling before being used in umbrella production. Tung oil not only provides waterproofing but also adds a glossy and aesthetic finish to the umbrella surface.
Applying tung oil is one of the critical steps in making an oil-paper umbrella, requiring an even coating to ensure both waterproofing and visual appeal.
In addition to these main materials, the production of the oil-paper umbrella also involves decorative items such as multicolored silk threads. These are used to fasten the umbrella frame and to adorn the surface.
what are oil paper umbrellas used for?
The oil-paper umbrella is a traditional handicraft primarily used for protection from wind and rain, providing shelter during rainy weather or intense sunlight. In ancient times, due to limited transportation and unpredictable weather, the oil-paper umbrella was an indispensable accessory for travelers. Its lightweight and foldable design allowed for convenient use in various weather conditions.
Beyond its practical value, the oil-paper umbrella carries rich cultural significance. In traditional Chinese culture, the oil-paper umbrella symbolizes good fortune and happiness and is often used in weddings, rituals, and other ceremonies. During weddings, brides frequently carry a red oil-paper umbrella, symbolizing a blissful and long-lasting marriage. In ancestral worship and memorial ceremonies, the umbrella is used as a covering, expressing people’s remembrance and blessings for their ancestors and the deceased.
Moreover, the oil-paper umbrella is also considered an art piece. The designs and colors on the canopy reflect the aesthetic preferences and cultural characteristics of different historical periods. Many oil-paper umbrellas are painted with traditional Chinese motifs such as flowers, birds, landscapes, and elegant figures. These designs not only enhance the umbrella's beauty but also give it artistic and collectible value.
where are oil paper umbrellas made from?
The oil-paper umbrella, as a traditional handicraft, is produced in various regions across China, especially in areas with a long history and rich artisan traditions. Below are some of the main locations known for producing oil-paper umbrellas:
Luzhou, Sichuan:
Luzhou oil-paper umbrellas, from Jiangyang District in Sichuan's Luzhou City, are a traditional craft and have been recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage. The craft originated in Fenshuiling Town, Luzhou, dating back to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, with a history of over 400 years. Made from locally abundant tung oil, nan bamboo, water bamboo, rock tung wood, and bark paper, Luzhou umbrellas are lightweight and beautifully crafted. Their canopies often feature poetry and paintings, reflecting a strong rural charm.
Yuhang, Zhejiang:
Yuhang in Zhejiang Province is another important production area for oil-paper umbrellas in China. The craftsmanship here also has a long history, and the umbrellas produced are known for their durability and exquisite design, making them highly popular among the people.
Other Regions:
In addition to Luzhou and Yuhang, oil-paper umbrellas are also made in Hunan, Guangdong, Fujian, and Guizhou. Each region has developed its own distinctive umbrella-making techniques based on the local climate, resources, and cultural traditions.
The production process of oil-paper umbrellas is extremely intricate, relying entirely on manual craftsmanship. It involves multiple steps such as selecting bamboo, shaping the ribs, constructing the frame, attaching the canopy, painting designs, and applying oil. Every step requires careful attention from the craftsmen to ensure the quality and aesthetic appeal of the umbrellas. As a result, oil-paper umbrellas are not only practical rain gear but also traditional handicrafts with deep cultural and artistic value.
With the development of modern industry, machine-made umbrellas have gradually replaced the traditional handmade oil-paper umbrellas. However, in certain regions, some artisans still uphold the traditional methods of making oil-paper umbrellas, preserving and promoting this craft as part of intangible cultural heritage. These umbrellas are not only popular in domestic markets but are also exported abroad, serving as an important window into Chinese traditional culture.
what oil paper umbrellas symbolism?
The oil-paper umbrella, as a traditional Chinese handicraft, carries not only practical value but also rich cultural symbolism and meaning. Here are some of the key symbolic meanings associated with the oil-paper umbrella:
- Prosperity and Fertility:
The word for "oil-paper" (yóuzhǐ) sounds similar to "have children" (yǒuzǐ) in Chinese, and the umbrella frame is shaped like the character "人" (person), symbolizing many descendants and abundant offspring. Additionally, the traditional Chinese character for "umbrella" (傘) has four "人" characters under the radical, symbolizing success and prosperity in future generations, particularly "five sons achieving high rank."
- Happiness, Reunion, and Peace:
The round shape of the oil-paper umbrella symbolizes completeness, reunion, and peace. In Chinese culture, the circle is often associated with harmony, wholeness, and fulfillment.
- Rising in Status:
The umbrella ribs are often made of bamboo, which in Chinese culture represents purity, resilience, and continual advancement. Therefore, the oil-paper umbrella symbolizes progress and success in one’s career, academics, and other endeavors.
- Eternal Love:
The oil-paper umbrella has become a symbol of classical romance. In famous love stories like The Legend of the White Snake, Xu Xian and the White Snake meet under a red umbrella on the Broken Bridge in West Lake, which has given the umbrella an association with eternal love and long-lasting companionship.
- Nostalgia and Romance:
The oil-paper umbrella evokes nostalgia and romantic imagery. In the famous poem Rainy Alley by Dai Wangshu, the depiction of an ancient town, a rainy alley, a beautiful woman with an oil-paper umbrella creates a deeply romantic and enduring image. The oil-paper umbrella remains a symbol of nostalgia and beauty in people’s minds.
- Protection from Misfortune and Evil:
In Chinese folklore, tung oil is believed to ward off disasters, expel evil spirits, and protect against harm. Thus, an oil-paper umbrella coated with tung oil was often kept in homes to bring peace and good fortune. Additionally, at weddings, the bride carrying a red umbrella was believed to ward off evil spirits.
- Success in Examinations:
In ancient China, students and officials often carried red oil-paper umbrellas when traveling to take exams or assume official posts, symbolizing good luck and success in their endeavors. Even today, in some regions, families still buy oil-paper umbrellas as a way to wish success for students taking important exams like the gaokao.
- Elegance and Nobility:
The oil-paper umbrella, with its rich cultural connotations, is often used to create a classic and romantic ambiance. The combination of traditional Chinese clothing (hanfu) with an oil-paper umbrella represents a quintessential symbol of classical Chinese elegance and beauty.
- Festivity:
A red oil-paper umbrella represents celebration. In many parts of China, gifting an oil-paper umbrella is a tradition for occasions such as birthdays, weddings, the birth of a child, housewarming, or promotions, symbolizing joy and prosperity.
Conclusion
The oil-paper umbrella, a traditional handcrafted item with a thousand-year history, is not only a crystallization of ancient Chinese wisdom but also a treasured gem of Chinese culture. Its unique design, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich cultural connotations have earned the admiration and respect of people worldwide. In our fast-developing modern society, let us collectively focus on and support the preservation and development of traditional crafts like the oil-paper umbrella, ensuring that these ancient and beautiful creations continue to thrive.
References
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