Antique Japanese oiled-paper parasol with hand-painted whooping cranes on a bamboo frame — a striking piece of early 20th-century Japanese craft.
Maker: Unknown
Materials: Oiled rice paper, bamboo, wood
Dimensions: 30" diameter opened; 24" long closed
Origin: Japan
Era: Antique, 1920s
Condition: Very good. A few small tears/pinholes in the paper consistent with age, and the mechanism opens with a bit of resistance from long storage. Please review photos closely before purchasing, as all sales are final.
This parasol (wagasa) is built in the traditional method — thin, closely spaced bamboo ribs pushing oiled washi paper outward when opened, with a carved bamboo finial at the handle. The design features hand-painted whooping cranes alongside a red sun motif, both drawn from long-standing Japanese symbolism: cranes for good fortune and longevity, the sun for renewal and prosperity.
A beautiful statement piece for Asian-inspired home or patio décor, bridal showers, or outdoor entertaining.
Japanese paper umbrellas trace back to parasols introduced from China, becoming a distinctly Japanese craft by the Edo period. Early wagasa were prized status objects — in the 1600s, carrying one marked social standing, and they were believed to ward off evil spirits. Artisans developed the technique of layering oiled washi paper over bamboo ribs, a method still used by traditional makers today, producing umbrellas as much for ceremony and display as for shelter from the rain.
Looking for more Asian art and home décor? Browse the rest of our collection for similar one-of-a-kind pieces.
