Kyoto Kurotani Special Selection Janome "Byakko"

Kyoto "Kurotani Washi" x Kyoto "Wagasaya Tsujikura"
A traditional craft protected and nurtured over a long history.
"Kurotani Washi," produced in the papermaking village of Ayabe, Kyoto, is an exceptionally rare handmade paper, with every single sheet crafted by artisans.
Its strength and longevity make it ideal for long-term preservation, and it is even used in the restoration of cultural properties.
Skilled Tsujikura artisans have taken this rare Kurotani "Unryu" (cloud dragon) paper and meticulously crafted it into a "Janome" (bullseye) umbrella over time.
We have focused on authenticity from the raw materials up.
This product lacks flashy, superficial beauty; its simple, rustic nature is its true charm.
"Kurotani Unryu Washi" - Byakko (White Tiger) - A supreme masterpiece.

◇ Each detail's charm - An umbrella to be experienced -
- The handle is made of "metake" (female bamboo). The smooth texture fits naturally in your hand when gripped.
Although it is called "bamboo" (take) in Japanese, it is actually a member of the bamboo grass family.
- When closed, it returns to the slender, beautiful form of the original single piece of madake bamboo.
- Held up to the light, the "kozo" (mulberry) fibers of the Unryu paper appear translucent.
* Unryu paper is a type of paper named for the cloud-like patterns created by scattering long, hand-torn mulberry fibers across the base sheet.
- The color of the washi paper changes over time.
Vegetable oils such as linseed oil and perilla oil are applied for waterproofing. Due to the properties of these oils, the white washi will gradually age from pale yellow to a flaxen color over the years. This process of color change is also one of the pleasures of owning this umbrella.
- The crisp sound of the folded washi separating as you open the umbrella.
- The "hajiki" (catch) that holds the umbrella open is crafted from wood instead of metal.
The "click" of the wooden catch is a pleasant sound.

We bring you this supreme masterpiece from "Kyoto Kurotani Washi" and "Kyoto Wagasaya Tsujikura."

≪Kurotani Washi, the papermaking village of Ayabe, Kyoto≫
While the number of washi artisans has steadily declined due to changing times, now into the single digits,
the craftsmen are relatively young, mainly in their 30s and 40s, giving the production area a vibrant energy.
While preserving the 800-year-old tradition of "tesuki" (hand-papermaking) techniques,
they are also actively engaged in developing new products and strengthening their regional brand.

◆ Regarding the change in washi color
Rain umbrellas are treated with vegetable oils on the surface for waterproofing.
Consequently, due to the nature of the oil, the color will change from pale yellow to a flaxen hue over time.
White umbrellas, in particular, will develop a deeper, more refined color as they are used.
This does not affect the strength of the umbrella.
We hope you enjoy these unique characteristics of natural materials.

Specifications: Rain umbrella
Material: Kyoto Kurotani handmade Unryu Washi, waterproofed
Color: White
Decorative thread: White
Ribs: 44 pieces of madake bamboo (clear-coated)
Handle: Metake bamboo
Hajiki (Catch): Wood
Top cover (kappa): Waterproof double-layered fabric
Total length: 74cm
Diameter: 105cm

How to Use the Wagasa
When you walk carrying the closed umbrella, please grasp the head of the Wagasa, or for Janome please grasp the cord on the head, and for Bangasa please hold the leather strings bound around the head.

How to Open the Wagasa
The Wagasa may be difficult to open due to the waterproof grease on the Washi. Please lightly grasp the bottom of the runner at the bottom inside the umbrella, and slowly and carefully push to the top to open the Wagasa.

Shipping outside Japan differs according to region and weight.
Place the item in your cart, choose the region and the details will become available.

In the case of one Wagasa (2kg including packaging):

¥3,400~ Asia (Korea, Singapore, Thailand, etc.)
Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, etc.)
¥6,700~ North America (USA, Canada, etc.)
Europe (UK, Italy, etc.)
¥8,100~ Europe (Russia, Iceland, etc.)
South America (Argentina, Peru, Brazil, etc.)
Middle East (United Arab Emirates, etc.)

English site payment is by US dollars.

For each Japanese umbrella purchased, we will give you an original umbrella bag.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept requests for specific patterns. Thank you for your understanding. (The pattern in the image is an example.)

You are responsible for confirming that the product can be lawfully imported to the destination country.
When ordering from Tsujikura Online Shop, the recipient becomes the importer and must comply with all laws and regulations of the destination country.
Orders that are shipped to countries outside of Japan may be subject to import taxes, customs duties and fees levied by the destination country.
The recipient of an international shipment may be subject to such import taxes, customs duties and fees, which are levied once a shipment reaches your country.
Additional charges for customs clearance must be borne by the recipient; Tsujikura has no control over or relation to these charges and cannot predict what they may be.
Customs policies vary widely from country to country; please make sure you contact your local customs office for further information. When customs clearance procedures are required, delays can be caused beyond our original delivery estimates.