This wagasa is made of thick washi paper on a bamboo frame. The washi has a light blue-green wash decorated with two types of flower blossoms, butterflies, and silver dots. There is no inner washi layer and the washi is uncoated, therefore it was primarily used for shade (as opposed to being used for rain). There is evidence of a past repair on one segment of the umbrella, visible in the different shade of green.
These parasols, traditionally made from oiled paper, are known in Japanese as wagasa (literally "Japanese umbrella"). Surface paintings of wagasa usually feature traditional Japanese imagery. While they are used in daily life, wagasa are typically associated with geisha, traditional dance, and the tea ceremony. Different color wagasa have different connotations and symbolism; for example, in traditional weddings, brides are usually covered under a red oil-paper umbrella.
