This wagasa (parasol) is made of painted silk on a bamboo frame. The parasol can be held closed by an orange decorative knot clasp with a tassle. The handle is made of bamboo with a decorative bulb at the end. It has a white decorative weave of strings that is tied onto the inside ribbing structure (kagari-ito). The sheer silk fabric has a light orange wash around the edges, leaving the center white. A scene with a painted branch of orange and red maple leaves encircles 2/3 of the umbrella. This wagasa would be primarily used for shade.
Wagasa (literally "Japanese umbrella") are traditionally made from oiled paper. 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.
