Oriental Umbrella - Things you should know

The Oriental umbrella was utilized all the way back in ancient Egypt to protect royalty from the relentless desert sun. Though they are traditionally called an oriental umbrella, they were used on a widespread basis in Asia only periodically. The Chinese umbrella was also seen throughout other parts of Africa on occasion through the 18th and 19th centuries as well.

The Greeks and Romans utilized the umbrella on occasion, as these umbrellas can be seen in both of the civilizations’ art and sculptures. There was even a recent discovery at Neneveh that included inscriptions that pertained to the umbrella. The inscriptions tell of oriental umbrellas being carried over the head of the king in times of peace and even during times of war.

The oriental umbrella is fashioned from bamboo pieces that have been specially treated as well as Japanese paper. The bamboo is fashioned into a frame and then covered with the paper, sometimes called, “sa paper.” The Japanese umbrella then begins to take its shape. Colorful paints and colorings are applied to the oriental umbrella in order to bring it to vibrant life. Sometimes designs are hand painted onto the oriental umbrella as well, depicting nature scenes and exotic animals.

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Many different cultures have used the parasol umbrella for shade. There is evidence of parasols shading pharaohs of ancient Egypt from the sun while their slaves toiled. There have been examples of them found deeper south into Africa and over much of the continent of Asia as well. The Chinese are revered for having the most elaborate and beautiful parasol umbrellas. They are highly coveted even in modern times.

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