The earliest umbrellas existed in China at least two thousand years ago. They were first made of silk and later, more popularly, paper. The Chinese called them oil paper umbrellas and waxed and lacquered their paper parasols because oil repels water. 

The frames of the umbrellas were made of mulberry bark or bamboo. Royal families used red and yellow umbrellas, and ordinary people used blue umbrellas. 

They quickly spread across Asia and are still very popular in Japan, Korea, India, and Thailand.

Other than providing shade, oil paper umbrellas are also traditional wedding items. In traditional Chinese and Japanese weddings, the matron of honor would cover the bride with a red oil paper umbrella upon arrival to ward off evil spirits. As the Chinese characters for "umbrella" are similar to those for "five people," giving umbrellas represents a blessing for the young married couple to have many children.

Purple umbrellas symbolize longevity for elders, while white umbrellas are used in funerals. Oil paper umbrellas are also used as props in Japanese traditional dances and tea ceremonies.

Furthermore, the round shape of the umbrellas, when opened, symbolizes a happy and complete life, adding a layer of cultural depth and intrigue to their design.

Umbrellas or parasols, apart from their practical uses, have also become part of the paraphernalia for Asian acrobats. Wire walkers use parasols as balancers to keep themselves on the wire. This unique use adds a new dimension to their cultural significance, enhancing the reader's understanding and appreciation of their practical uses.

Oil paper umbrellas serve a versatile role in religious celebrations. They are often seen on sacred sedan chairs as covers, used as parasols to shelter people from rain and sunlight and to drive away evil spirits, showcasing their practical versatility. 

Today, umbrellas are made of various materials, from traditional oil paper and silk to modern cotton, plastic film, and nylon. Some are built on straight frames, while others are collapsible. This evolution showcases the adaptability and innovation in umbrella design, a testament to the enduring appeal of this traditional item.

The prettiest Chinese umbrellas, however, are those covered with silk, and the silk parasols of Hangzhou are veritable works of art that also serve a practical purpose. 

Producing umbrellas can take significant time, and many small artisans across Asia create their own signature items. 

Some use over 80 processes to create intricate works of art that can be passed down through generations—kind of like our puzzles!

Our wooden jigsaw puzzles are handcrafted with utmost precision and care, our wooden jigsaw puzzle is a true work of art. Each wooden jigsaw puzzle piece is meticulously cut from high-quality, sustainably sourced wood, ensuring durability and longevity. The fun, shaped, whimsy wooden jigsaw puzzle pieces guarantee an enjoyable puzzle-solving experience.