Providing you with the best Chinese umbrellas is our priority. This is why all our umbrellas are authentic Chinese umbrellas, created according to Chinese tradition and know-how. We are therefore committed to offering quality Chinese umbrellas. In addition, we are committed to regularly renewing our catalog of Chinese umbrellas, to always quench your thirst for discovering China. Finally, we are committed to responding to all your requests and questions within 48 hours maximum.
History
China invented umbrellas and parasols, which are still commonly used in the country. The earliest parasols are said to have been invented over 2,000 years ago, and were made of silk. In ancient times, the umbrella frames were made of mulberry bark or bamboo. Craftsmen painted the umbrellas with motifs such as the imperial dragon, landscapes, zodiac animals, flowers, and scenes from mythology.
Silk umbrellas then evolved to be made of paper, around the 1st century BC. To protect them from the rain, the Chinese coated the paper with lacquer and wax, because these fatty substances naturally repel water. These paper umbrellas quickly became the adornment of Chinese noblewomen, and were then a real fashion accessory. They were then used not only to protect from the sun but also to protect from the rain, thanks to the coating applied to the paper.
Due to their rarity and high quality, umbrellas quickly became a symbol of power and prosperity in China and Asia. To differentiate themselves from the common people, the imperial family and the nobility only carried red or yellow umbrellas, while the rest of the population used blue umbrellas. Over time, their value decreased, making them accessible to all Chinese castes and thus popularizing them.
Surrounding countries, especially Korea, Thailand and Burma, then adopted this fashion of Chinese umbrellas, and the inhabitants were very proud to show off their beautiful umbrellas. This fashion was particularly appreciated in Japan, where even today, beauty standards encourage pale and white skin.
This umbrella culture quickly crossed the Asian borders, and was popularized in Europe. This very feminine accessory was particularly successful with the nobility of France, Italy and England, where they quickly evolved to become the accessory well known to all today: the umbrella.
Today, modern umbrellas made of plastic and wood account for the majority of sales, but traditional Chinese umbrellas are still respected by all for their beauty, delicacy and admirable craftsmanship. They are traditionally found in the provinces of Fujian and Hunan, which still sell them by the thousands today.
For even more China, you can find other Chinese objects in our collection ofChinese accessories.
