HOW A TRADITIONAL JAPANESE UMBRELLA/ “WAGASA” IS MADE

A Wagasa, Traditional Japanese umbrellas or rain umbrella, made of bamboo and Washi (Japanese paper), is delicately collapsible inward with its elaborate open-close movement.

More durable with linseed oil applied.

INTRO OF TRADITIONAL JAPANESE UMBRELLA /“WAGASA”

Firstly, we need to prepared materials such as:

I. Bamboo

II. Washi paper / kozo,

III. Metal,

IV. Wood,

V. Linseed oil,

VI. Lacquer,

VII. Tapioca glue

1. MATERIAL PREPARATION

The bamboos are cut evenly into 48 thin sticks and the sticks are dye with the color of our choice.

Then, the sticks will be used to construct the frame of the umbrella and will be attached to a wooden core to create the opening and closing of the umbrella.

2. FRAME CONSTRUCTION

After that, a large pieces of washi paper is carefully cut to fit the size and shape of the umbrella.

Next an original type of glue made from tapioca is mixed and used.

3. PAPER CUTTING & GLUE MIXING

Later, paste the paper carefully with homemade tapioca glue onto the bamboo frame. This may seem easy, but if it is not done properly, it may put stress on the paper, shortening its life.

After drying the glue, the umbrella is folded so that it will close correctly.

4. PASTING & DRYING

Then, various natural pigments, lacquer and other natural materials are used to color and decorate the umbrella

5. LACQUERING AND PAINTING

Subsequently, linseed oil is applied to water-proof the umbrella, and then it is left to dry in the sun from a few days up to two weeks.

6. APPLYING LINSEED OIL

Lastly, tassel decorations, metal parts, and other final decorative effects are attached to the umbrella to complete the design.

7. FINISHING AND FINAL DECORATION

Generally, it takes from a few weeks up to a few months to finish a single umbrella, depending on the size and design.

A Japanese umbrella has 30-70 ribs.

CONCLUSION

THE END