Gifu Japanese umbrella
During the Edo period, umbrella making was encouraged as a side job for samurai, and it flourished in Gifu. The Nagara River basin, which flows through Gifu City, was rich in high-quality materials such as washi paper, bamboo, and perilla oil, which allowed it to develop as a local industry.
A wide variety of Japanese umbrellas have been produced, including everyday umbrellas such as Janome umbrellas, Bangasa umbrellas, and parasols, as well as dance umbrellas used in Kabuki and other theatrical performances, and outdoor tea ceremony umbrellas and sashikake umbrellas used for festivals and Shinto rituals.
overview
| Craft item name | Gifu Japanese umbrella |
|---|---|
| Reading | Gifuwagasa |
| Classification of crafts | Woodwork/bamboo products |
| Main Products | Rain umbrella, parasol, dance umbrella, outdoor tea ceremony umbrella, umbrella for holding up to the sun |
| Main manufacturing area | Gifu City, Mizuho City, Kitagata Town (Motosu District), Ginan Town (Hatori District) |
| Designated date | March 18, 2020 |
contact address
■ Production area association
Gifu Traditional Japanese Umbrella Association (General Incorporated Association)
500-8009
45 Minatomachi, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
TEL: 058-215-8656
FAX: 058-269-3857
Features
A characteristic of Gifu-made Japanese umbrellas is their "slender" design, which allows them to be folded compactly. The techniques are passed down to ensure that the umbrellas are beautiful not only when open, but also when closed. Furthermore, various techniques are employed to produce delicate patterns on traditional Japanese umbrellas (Janome-gasa) and highly designed parasols.
How to make it
The umbrella is made by attaching bamboo ribs one by one with thread to a component called a rokuro, which is attached to the handle (a stick made of bamboo or wood). With the ribs spread horizontally, washi paper is stretched over them, and depending on the intended use of the umbrella, oiling, sun-drying, painting, and thread stitching are performed, and finally the parts are attached. Gifu washi umbrellas are often made using a division of labor system, and it takes the hands of many craftsmen before a single washi umbrella is finally completed.
Please see here for information on traditional craftspeople.
