Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Vintage Thursday Thingie: Japanese Umbrella

This is a vintage bamboo and paper umbrella that I got years ago in Japan. Closed, you can see the painted ribs, the brass top and the leather hanging strap .

Open, you can see the colored paper and how it is painted in bands like the ribs...where the ribs are dark brown, the paper is darker and where the ribs are red, the paper is lighter.


Here you can see the underside-I love the simple elegance of this umbrella. It can be used in the rain...the only problem is it must be left open to dry!
For more vintage treasures, hop on over to Coloradolady.

23 comments:

Ulla said...

Wow, I always thought the paper umbrellas were actually parasols for sunny days. Always learning something new! The umbrella is beautiful, very delicate work.

Diann said...

Very nice and interesting!

Lisa said...

I love all things Japanese! This is awesome!

Keetha Broyles said...

I love it!!!

It reminds me of the tiny paper Japanese umbrellas that we used to use to decorate for showers.

Kathi Fly said...

Lovely! I bet it is beautiful displayed. What a nice memory from Japan!

Bea said...

Oh, my that's just beautiful. What a wonderful treasure that is. :)Bea

Maureen said...

Very nice. It surprises me that it can be used in the rain.

RachelD said...

How lovely!! A houseguest from Japan once brought us a little mobile with three or four of these exact parasols, and it hung in the family room for years, the colors moving with the breeze of the ceiling fan---what a nice memory you've kindled!!

Thank you for dropping in at Lawn Tea!!

rachel

LV said...

That is a great umbrella. I am glad you shared it today as I have not seen one like it. Great item for VTT. Happy you stopped by to visit and comment

Postcardy said...

I love the simple elegance too. I wouldn't want to test it in the wind and rain.

Unknown said...

Oh its lovely! Simply lovely...I really love japanese art and this really is

Old Time Cindy said...

That really surprises me that you can use it in the rain. I would be afraid to. :)
Thanks for sharing!
Living it up at Lakewood,
Cindy

Unknown said...

What a treasure, Miri! I keep my umbrellas open to dry anyway so they don't get moldy.

★Carol★ said...

You've been to Japan? Lucky girl! Your umbrella is gorgeous, opened or closed. And I had no idea that you could actually use it when it rains!
Happy VTT!
Carol

Coloradolady said...

I remember always wanting one of these as a little girl. Yours is so pretty.

Have a great weekend and a wonderful VTT!

Debbie said...

How pretty and it's in such good shape!

viridian said...

Beautiful. In my house, there would be a number of rips in the paper. And not from the kids.

Roslyn said...

Absolutely beautiful Miri!

farmlady said...

These umbrellas are so beautiful. I remember going to Chinatown in San Francisco when I was a child and my parents bought me one. It's gone now but your post brought back a great memory.
Thanks.

Carrie P. said...

Very pretty color umbrellas. Perfect for fall.

Carrie said...

Well I learned some new information on Japanese parasols...thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Now I learned from you too - I wasn't aware that you could use them in the rain! Glad you mentioned that. It is so delicate looking I'd be afraid to use one.
Thanks so much for stopping by to see me on VTT. I'm afraid I had to leave and didn't get to comment back or visit everyone but was so glad to see you appreciated the bio of the artist of my prints. I also love to read that kind of thing! Hopefully I'll make it around to see everyones posts next Thursday.

JEWELGIRL said...

Cool umbrella, it would look nice
displayed open in the right place.
Do you display it?