Paper umbrella(Jiwusan) is an umbrella made of hanji(korea traditional paper) and bamboo. Before using plastic umbrellas, which are now commonly used, people enjoyed using them. Until the 1960s, when it rained, we used Jiu-san. Although it was used until quite recently, the appearance of the plastic umbrella made it impossible to use the paper umbrella. Currently, there is only one person left in Korea who makes Jiu-san, Yoon Kyu-sang, an artisan.

Paper Umbrella is an eco-friendly, delicate and beautiful umbrella made by oiling hanji and firmly fixing it to a bamboo pole. Hanji is a solid paper that be used to restore art at the Louvre Museum. If you oil these hanji, it doesn't tear like a cloth and keeps water away. In addition, unlike plastic umbrella, a dense bamboo poles fix Hanji so that the umbrella does not turn over even when the wind blows. Even the subtle sunlight passing through Hanji is a beauty not found in plastic Umbrella.

©Yoon Gyusang

Area
Jeonju
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Material
Hanji, bamboo
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Size
148 x 210 x 22mm
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Producer
No. 45 Intangible Cultural Property of Jeollabuk-do Usanjang (Paper Umrella Making)