In China, an umbrella has long been considered important for both practical and aesthetic reasons. Traditional oil-paper umbrellas are crafted from bamboo and pizhi or mianzhi – types of thin paper that is highly durable. The craft of creating these stunning artworks emerged during the Eastern Han dynasty (25 AD – 220 AD) and endured through millennia, regarded as a symbol of reunion, romance, beauty, and fertility. Umbrellas made following the traditional art form are sold at one of Beijing’s iconic specialty stores, Ruoshui Tang, which has a 100-year history.
Update: June 10, 2021