History of the Chinese Oiled Paper Umbrella

Chinese oiled paper umbrella, called yóuzhǐ sǎn (油纸伞) in Chinese. Chinese oiled paper umbrella has a history of more than a thousand years. They are not only a must-have for ordinary people when traveling, but also appear on the most important occasions in every Chinese person's life.

Historical origins

In the late Spring Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), Lu Ban, a famous carpenter in ancient China, often worked outdoors and often got wet if it rained. Lu Ban's wife wanted to make something that could protect against rain, so she split bamboo into thin strips and covered the thin strips with animal skins to look like a "pavilion", which could be closed like a stick and opened like a blanket. This is the first umbrella. After the advent of paper, people applied tung oil to the paper of umbrellas to make the oiled paper umbrellas waterproof. Scholars also wrote poems and paintings on the umbrellas before oiling them to express their feelings.

Symbolic Role and Uses

According to traditional etiquette, Chinese women should hold a red oiled paper umbrella when they get married. "Zhi" and "子" are homophonic, so oiled paper umbrellas mean giving birth to a child early. The round surface of Umbrella is considered a sign of "perfection" and symbolizes perfect achievement. The ancient Chinese character "umbrella" contains five human characters, which represent the hope that five sons will succeed in the imperial examinations, and means "many children and grandchildren."

Diffusion in Asia and Cultural Influence

Chinese oiled paper umbrellas were introduced to Japan and Korea during the Tang Dynasty. In early Japan, oiled paper umbrellas were called "Tang umbrellas". After the Oiled paper umbrellas spread to other parts of Asia, such as Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and other places, they were combined with local culture and had their own styles and names.

Crafts and Manufacturing Techniques

The manufacture of oiled paper umbrellas is a laborious process requiring great craftsmanship. Purely handmade, made entirely from natural materials, there are several key steps:

1. Bamboo Frame : The handle and frame of the umbrellas are made from thin bamboo poles, known for their strength and flexibility.
2. Mulberry paper : This paper, both strong and light, is glued to the frame.
3. Oiling : The crucial step is to apply tung oil to the surface of the paper. This waterproofs the umbrella while giving it a distinctive shine.
4. Decoration : Once the umbrella is assembled, it is often decorated with floral patterns, nature scenes, or calligraphy. These patterns often reflect traditional Chinese themes of longevity, happiness, and prosperity.

Decline and Renewal

With the rise of modernity and the introduction of new materials such as plastic and metal, the use of oiled paper umbrellas declined in the 20th century. These traditional umbrellas were gradually replaced by modern umbrellas, which were more robust and inexpensive.

However, recent decades have seen a resurgence of interest in this object. In China, many regions such as Fuzhou and Jiande continue to perpetuate the art of making oiled paper umbrellas. These umbrellas are now prized not only as utilitarian objects but also as works of art or tourist souvenirs.

Additionally, they have re-emerged in popular culture and media, often used in films and shows to evoke the elegance and grace of ancient Chinese culture.

Discover the umbrellas:

Conclusion

The Chinese oil-paper umbrella, though thousands of years old, remains a living cultural icon. Reflecting the skill of Chinese artisans and incorporating elements of practical protection and spiritual symbolism, it continues to fascinate with its timeless beauty and functionality. Its rich history and evolution over the centuries are a testament to the ability of Chinese culture to preserve its traditions while adapting to modern times.