They normally have characteristics that definitely resemble natural landscape of China. In most cases, the oiled paper umbrellas have graceful surfaces which are painted in several pictures of birds, animals and flowers (Gordon 48). In this case, modern people visit such locations to learn about some of the ancient skills that were used to make umbrellas. However, artifacts stored in museums acts as sources of advancing knowledge and skills (Stacey 36 “1991”). Due to evolution of culture, it is quite dissatisfying that the current generation has lost the meaning attached to such artifacts. Vividly, people have been denied chance to realize the cultural significance of the work of art (Gordon 49).īrown comments that art can not be limited to specific age or gender and it needs to be studied from different perspectives. Moreover, due to technological advancement, they fail to identify or even notice the traditional beauty depicted by the artifacts. Due to advances made in technology, paper characteristics have evolved into different forms and features altogether.Īccording to Brown’s observations, modern society in China do not know much about the work of art and skills used to make the oil paper umbrellas (Chinaholidays par 6). The reason behind this is that the latter are quite easier to fashion and are effortlessly made impermeable by use of oils to cover the thin surfaces (Anon par 1). Examples of materials used included flowers, cotton and silk.Ĭurrently, the most common type is the paper umbrella. It is also important to note that various types of materials were used to make these umbrellas. Several types of paper umbrella were discovered in this province before the emergence of oil paper umbrella (Oriental-décor.com par 2). The most well known location is the Fujian province where this technology was first adopted and developed. There is a historical belief that before the oil paper umbrella cam into existence and embraced, there were others which were made of silk during the ancient dynasties. In most cases, these umbrellas had ointments at the top with different unique parts which performed unique purposes according to designs (Institute of paper Chemistry 363). In most cases, this type of umbrella was intensely decorated to match the preferences of its users. It is vivid that this type of ancient umbrella was most popular with women, the reason why they were perceived as feminine items until later when men began embracing its use (Crawford 59). This also made it possible to store them well when not in use. For instance, they put a ring on the handle to make it easier to carry when closed. However, craftsmen improved their art to make it convenient for use even by ordinary men in China. Moreover, they were heavy and expensive hence only nobles and other societal elites and kings would use this type of umbrella (Crawford 58). Use of antique technology in making the oil paper umbrella was at times inconveniencing since they were difficult to close or open. It is also worthy to note that oil paper umbrellas are among the most ancient umbrellas ever known in the world. It is evident that construction of such umbrellas has been a prolonged traditional activity dating back as early as 25000 years ago such that it has been a deeply rooted ancient practice in some of those countries where the artifact is valued (Crawford 58). Initially, it originated from China and later spread to other parts of the world such as Asia, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and Korea (Miller 14).Īccording to approved archaeological evidences, the artifact was first made by Chinese purposely for sheltering from scorching sun (CIBA limited 49). Oil paper umbrella is a kind of umbrella decorated with several floral patterns that are made with some type of paper (Crawford 58). Moreover, the essay will reflect how this umbrella was made, its significance, value and how it compares with the modern art of constructing umbrellas. This paper aims at offering definition, the origin and brief history of the oil paper umbrella as an old age artifact. Therefore, it has seemingly lost its technicality. It is also apparent that the oil paper umbrella has gone through several series of revolution. As a matter of fact, Brown’s argument tends to solidity the fact that while contemporary art is rapidly taking center stage, some of the almost forgotten arts of work such as the oil paper umbrellas are still significant in modern studies.
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