The famous Chinese umbrellas, the art of paper and bamboo

Just as it seems to me that the Qipao is the best dress in the world, I cannot imagine China without the classic and traditional paper umbrellas. I love them, I find them delicate and very feminine. They are works of art of Chinese popular culture and although the country has a long tradition, it is no small feat to make one.

First of all, I tell you that there are several kinds of paper umbrellas, the flowery ones, the ones with tissue paper, the blue ones, the ones with a double layer of paper, the silk-screened ones and some more. They are all beautiful and even if it is not the most comfortable thing to transport back home, you have to return yes or yes with one of them.

The truth is that manufacture an umbrella is something that requires a lot of skills. First you have to choose carefully the materials to be used and then you have to be very careful when handling them. For example, him mango of the umbrella must be made of wood bamboo, but it must be more than 5 years old and come from Fujian province since bamboo grows elastic, flexible and is more malleable there. In addition, it helps the mango not to break, become a moldy or rotten stick or not be attacked by worms.

On the rods, which are also made of bamboo, the paper is placed tightly, a refined paper which may be to stay tight. Then the craftsman paints the surface with oil and then goes to the decor: mythological characters, birds, dragons, flowers, landscapes. In total, there are about 80 steps that are required to finish a Chinese umbrella or parasol, but only then can you ensure that it will not be destroyed by the rays of the sun, the wind, the rain, or will break or twist.

These days you don't see many of them on the streets of China since urban life does not leave them space, but due to the wonderful art they represent, they continue to be manufactured for special occasions and as remembrances for tourists.