More Than Rain Protection: Crafting a Piece of Poetic History in China
In a world of mass-produced, disposable goods, there is something deeply magical about holding an oil-paper umbrella. It’s a craft, a piece of history, and a work of art all in one. In workshops in places like Luzhou, you can go beyond just buying one and actually learn to make one. It’s a journey into a world of bamboo, mulberry paper, and fragrant tung oil.
You’ll sit with a master craftsperson who will guide you through the 70-step process. You’ll learn to split the bamboo for the frame, carefully paste the delicate paper onto the ribs, and then paint it with your own design—perhaps a spray of cherry blossoms or a stalk of bamboo. The final stage is brushing the umbrella with tung oil, which makes it translucent and waterproof. As it dries, it fills the air with a unique, earthy scent. You’re not just making a souvenir; you’re participating in a tradition of elegance that has lasted for centuries.
Insider Tip:
This is a hands-on, slightly messy process. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit of paint or oil on. And when painting your design, remember that simple, classic motifs often look the most beautiful on the finished umbrella.
