Providing you with the best Chinese shadows is our priority. This is why all of our umbrellas are authentic Chinese blacks, 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 discovery of China. Finally, we are committed to answering all your requests and questions in 48 hours maximum.
History
China has invented umbrellas and pensions, which are still commonly used in the country. The oldest parasols were reportedly invented over 2,000 years ago, and were then made of silk. In ancient times, the shadow frame was then made of bark of mulberry or bamboo. The craftsmen then painted the shades of patterns such as the imperial dragon, the landscapes, the animals of the zodiac, the flowers or even scenes of mythology.
Silk shades then evolved to be made up of paper, around the 1st century BC. To protect them from the rain, the Chinese then coated the lacquer and wax paper, because these fatty bodies naturally repel water. These paper shades quickly became the apparatus of women of the Chinese nobility, and then constituted a real fashion accessory. They then used not only to protect from the sun but also to protect from the rain, thanks to the coated applied on paper.
Due to their rarity and high quality, the umbrellas quickly became a symbol of power and prosperity in China and Asia. To differentiate themselves from the people, the imperial family and the nobility only wore red or yellow shades, while the rest of the population used blue shades. Over time, their value has dropped, which made them accessible to all Chinese castes and thus popularized them.
The surrounding countries, in particular Korea, Thailand and Burma, then adopted this fashion of the Chinese umbrellas, and the inhabitants were then very proud to show their magnificent umbrellas. This fashion was particularly appreciated in Japan, where still today, the beauty criteria encourage pale and white skin.
This shadow culture quickly crossed Asian borders, and was popularized in Europe. This very feminine accessory has notably had great success 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 represent the majority of sales, but traditional Chinese blacks are still respected for their beauty, their delicacy and their admirable crafts. They are traditionally found in the provinces of Fujian and Hunan, who sell them today by the thousands.
For always more China, you can find other Chinese objects on our collection ofChinese accessories.
