Check out these articles
-
Video article 4:55
Traditional Japanese Crafts: Akita Woodworking. The History and Culture of Japanese Craftsmen Culminate to Create Beautiful Works of Art in Akita Prefecture
Traditional Crafts- 332 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:50
Kabazaiku: A Traditional Japanese Woodworking Craft of Utilizing the Most Exquisite Cherry Bark. Each Product Is Hand Crafted by Skilled Artisans, Using All-Natural Ingredients in Akita, Japan
Traditional Culture- 295 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 10:44
The Secrets of "Fusuma," a Traditional Craft Indispensable to Japanese Homes! Don’t Miss the Beauty of the Traditional Artwork That Uses Gold and Silver Dust!
Traditional Crafts- 182 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:59
Kokeshi Dolls, With Their Cute Appearance and Expressions, Are Very Popular as Souvenirs and Collectibles Overseas! A Look at Kokeshi Craftsmen and Their Dedication to the Traditional Japanese Craft of Miyagi Prefecture
Traditional Crafts- 200 plays
- Vimeo
-
Video article 10:00
Traditional Maki-e Lacquerware - Discover the Skills of Master Craftsmen Who Have Cultivated Their Skills Through Years of Hard Work!
Traditional Crafts- 63 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:35
Aizu Paper Mache Akabeko - With Its Impressive Bright Red Coloring, This 400-Year-Old Folk Art of Aizu, Fukushima Is a Craft That Clearly Shows the Craftsman's Attention To Detail
Traditional CraftsCelebrities- 424 plays
- Vimeo
-
Video article 3:12
Koshu Inden - A Beautiful Craft Using Lacquered Deer Leather. Discover Japanese Culture and Craftsmanship With These Amazing Artisans in Kofu, Yamanashi!
Traditional CraftsHistory- 166 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:51
Nanbu Tekki Ironware Has Over 400 Years History, Can Be Used for Life, and Is a Very Popular Item Among Foreigners! It Also Acts as an Iron Supplement and Is Good for Your Health. Let’s Take a Look at the Traditional Japanese Product from Morioka, Iwate Prefecture!
Traditional Crafts- 132 plays
- Vimeo
-
Video article 3:45
The Splendid Craftsmanship of Yamanaka Lacquerware, a Traditional Craft of Ishikawa Prefecture. Enjoy the Precious Production Process, Which Is All Done by Hand!
Traditional Crafts- 170 plays
- YouTube
Gifu Wagasa: A Beautiful Skill Passed Down Through Generations. A Look at the Danger and Possibility of This Important Cultural Tradition of Gifu, Dying Out
Craftsmen of "Gifu Wagasa"
In this video [Express yourself, pass on the techniques – Gifu Wagasa](心を伝え、技を承ぐ 〜岐阜和傘〜) we introduce to you one of the traditional Japanese crafts "Gifu Wagasa" through interviews with craftsmen who explain in detail their production process.
The traditional Japanese paper umbrella is made from bamboo and Japanese washi paper and is a very beautiful and photogenic work of art.
Gifu prefecture in the Tokai region of Japan is the largest producer of Japanese paper umbrellas in Japan.
At its peak, there were approximately 16,000 people involved in Japanese paper umbrella work in Gifu prefecture's Kanou region.
Currently, due to decrease in demand, there are only a few dozen people involved in the Japanese paper umbrella business, and they are under immense pressure to keep this tradition alive.
In this article, we would like to introduce to you (together with the accompanying video) the history and manufacturing process of the Gifu Wagasa.
The History of Gifu Wagasa
The Japanese paper umbrella dates back to the year 552AD, when umbrellas made from bamboo and paper called Karakasa were first produced.
The traditional Japanese paper umbrella was commonly used for hundreds of years. In 1950, approximately 14 million Japanese-style umbrellas were produced.
However, due to the spread and popularity of the Western-style umbrella, sales of Japanese-style umbrellas have dropped dramatically with only a few tens of thousands being produced in recent years.
That being said, traditional Japanese style umbrellas such as the Nodategasa and Bangasa are still being produced and so the culture remains to this day.
The photogenic appearance of the Gifu Wagasa makes it a wonderful souvenir or decoration and because of this, it has slowly begun to regain popularity.
How Are Gifu Wagasa Made?
Over ten craftsmen are involved in the production of a single Gifu Wagasa and they can take anywhere from half a month to a month to make. The manufacturing process is divided into six steps.
The first step, called Honekezuri, involves carving down bamboo to make ribs for the umbrella.
Followed by Rokurozukuri, which involves making a section called Rokuro from a specific tree called Ehretia acuminata.
After that, Ayatsurikomi, which slide into the Rokuro section, are made. Smaller bamboo ribs on the inner section of the umbrella called Kobone are tied together with string, a process which is called Tsunagi.
From 3:34 in the video, you can see the bamboo structure of the umbrella and from 5:46 you can see how Japanese washi paper is attached to the umbrella (a process which is called Kamihari ).
Finally, the umbrella receives the finishing touches, a process called "Shiage," which involves the application of oil, drying the umbrella in the sun, and then a final application of lacquer to complete the umbrella.
There are other areas of work which only craftsmen with specific skills can carry out, however there is the fear that the number of such craftsmen will decline in the coming years.
From 2:10 in the video, Masanori Haneda (a bamboo rib craftsman (竹骨師, takeboneshi))speaks of how he became involved in making Gifu Wagasa.
From 4:17, Toyoko Hayakawa (who holds the title of Tsunagi-shi and Kagari-shi) talks during an interview of the low demand for Gifu Wagasa in recent years.
You can also watch interviews with several other craftsmen in this video.
Get Your Own Gifu Wagasa!
There are many specialty Gifu Wagasa shops in Gifu Prefecture, such as Nakamuraya Kasaten, where you can purchase your own Gifu Wagasa.
For those who are interested in purchasing their own Japanese paper umbrella, we recommend taking a trip to Gifu prefecture or checking out some of the online retailers where you can find Gifu Wagasa with beautiful artwork finishes.
There are even very affordable Gifu Wagasa that can be purchased for as little as a few thousand yen.
Recently, you can find very modern-looking cherry blossom design Japanese umbrellas for sale, produced in collaboration with the mobile game Idolmaster Cinderella Girls.
Gifu Wagasa Craftsmen Video Summary
We hope you enjoyed learning about the Gifu Wagasa manufacturing process through the article and video.
A wide variety of craftsmen are involved in the making of Gifu Wagasa, from the rib-makers to the canopy-makers.
Recently, a project has been launched that aims to increase the number of Gifu Wagasa craftsmen in order to ensure this important traditional craft is passed on to the next generation.
For anyone who would like to experience using a traditional Japanese-style umbrella, we recommend purchasing one from one of the online sites where you can find a variety of styles, all beautifully designed by skilled and experienced craftsmen.
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
Video article 4:55
Traditional Japanese Crafts: Akita Woodworking. The History and Culture of Japanese Craftsmen Culminate to Create Beautiful Works of Art in Akita Prefecture
Traditional Crafts- 332 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:03
Kumamoto Prefecture's Traditional Craft "Higo Zogan" Is a Work of Art! To Think That Iron Can Be Shaped to Be This Beautiful! Check Out the Renowned Craftsmanship of Japan!
Traditional Crafts Celebrities- 181 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:09
A Rare Video Explaining the Production Process of One of Toyama’s Traditional Crafts "Takaoka Copper Casting" - One of the Most Popular Arts/Crafts in the World, Passed Down for Over 400 Years
Traditional Crafts Art & Architecture History- 480 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:26
Iga Kumihimo: This Braided Cord Craft From Mie Prefecture Became a Hot Topic After Being Featured in the Popular Animated Film "Your Name." The Beautiful Designs Braided With Precise Techniques Are a Work of Art!
Traditional Crafts- 317 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:24
Experience Traditional Japanese Weaving on Shiraishi Island in Okayama Prefecture, a Place Full of Nature! The Traditional Textiles and Beautiful Scenery Are Sure to Revitalize!
Traditional Crafts- 217 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 7:58
Edo-Kiriko – Works of Art That Shine Like Jewels. A Closer Look at the Charm of This Traditional Craft of Tokyo, Which Can Cost Millions of Yen or More, and How It's Made!
Traditional Crafts Things to Do- 404 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:46
Ryukyu Shikki - Traditional Lacquerware Unique to Okinawa. Discover the Beauty of Ryukyuan Crafts at the Urasoe Art Museum
Traditional Crafts Art & Architecture- 149 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:12
Miyagi Prefecture's Traditional "Tokiwa Kongatazome" Hand Towels Attract People of All Ages! Don't Miss This Video About the Woman Carrying the Light of Tradition Into the Future!
Traditional Crafts- 104 plays
- Vimeo
-
Video article 2:27
How the World's Thinnest Paper, "Tengu Joshi," Is Made. The Traditional Japanese Craft Used in the National Library and Other Libraries, Is a Work of Art Made by Many Artisans
Traditional Crafts- 183 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 7:08
Kyo-Shikki - Traditional Japanese Lacquerware From Kyoto. Check Out the Awesome Techniques Used to Create the Simple Yet Elegant, Deep Black Craft!
Traditional Crafts- 91 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:18
Introducing Tohoku's Most Ancient Traditional Craft, Aizu-Hongo Ware. The Works, Made by Skilled Potters in Fukushima, Are More Than Mere Pottery - They're Works of Art!
Traditional Crafts- 333 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 9:59
Enshu Onigawara: Traditional Crafts Said to House the Souls of the Demons Themselves! Only the Most Skilled Craftsmen Can Produce Their Soul Piercing Glares. These Master Artisans in Fukuroi, Shizuoka Share Their Thoughts on Enshu Onigawara
Traditional Crafts- 451 plays
- YouTube
Comment