Genkoku (Profound Black) / Special Selection Janome (Kyoto Kurotani)

Kyoto "Kurotani Washi" × Kyoto "Wagasa Tsujikura"
A cherished traditional craft preserved and nurtured through centuries of history.
Kurotani Washi, originating from the papermaking village of Ayabe in Kyoto, is an exceptionally rare Japanese paper, meticulously handcrafted sheet by sheet by master artisans.
Renowned for its remarkable strength, durability, and resilience, it has long been trusted in the restoration of cultural properties.
Tsujikura's skilled craftsmen have taken this rare Kurotani Unryu-shi (cloud-dragon paper) and carefully tailored it into an exquisite Janome rain umbrella.
From raw materials to final assembly, we remain committed to uncompromising authenticity.
It possesses no outward flashiness; its quiet, unadorned simplicity is the very essence of its charm.
"Kurotani Unryu-shi" — Genkoku (Profound Black): A supreme masterpiece of timeless elegance.

◇ Elements of Charm — A Wagasa Experienced Through the Senses —
・Handle: Crafted from natural Metake (female bamboo). Smooth to the touch, it rests naturally and comfortably in your hand. (While containing "bamboo" in its name, Metake is botanically a member of the graceful bamboo grass family).
・Silhouette: When closed, the umbrella returns seamlessly to the slender, elegant silhouette of a single stalk of Madake bamboo.
・Visual Texture: When held up to natural light, the raw kozo (mulberry) fibers embedded in the Unryu paper reveal delicate, cloud-like patterns.
*Unryu-shi is a decorative washi characterized by cloud-like textures formed by scattering long, hand-torn kozo fibers across the base sheet.
・Maturation of Natural Oils: Vegetable oils (such as perilla and linseed oil) are applied for traditional waterproofing. Over years of use, the oiled washi matures and deepens in luster, adding to the quiet joy of owning this handcrafted umbrella.
・Sound of Opening: A crisp, rhythmic crinkle echoes as the pleated washi gently expands folds apart.
・Artisan Stopper (Hajiki): Instead of metal, the internal catch mechanism is carved from natural wood, producing a pleasant, subdued acoustic click upon opening.

We are proud to present this exceptional collaboration between Kyoto Kurotani Washi and Kyoto Wagasa Tsujikura.

[Kyoto, Ayabe: The Papermaking Village of Kurotani Washi]
While the number of traditional washi artisans has decreased over time to just a handful, the community remains vibrant, led by a dedicated younger generation mostly in their 30s and 40s. Preserving more than 800 years of hand-papermaking heritage, they actively innovate to develop new creations and elevate their regional craft brand.

◆ Genkoku (Profound Black)
A black of immeasurable depth that quietly absorbs the light.
The character "Gen" (玄) signifies a profound, boundless depth beyond measure. It is not merely black, but a color imbued with a solemn, commanding presence, as if harboring an inner spirit within the stillness.
Beneath its understated matte finish, subtle nuances emerge as it catches the faint light—a presence where tranquil silence and dignified tension coexist in perfect balance.
A foundational black of commanding poise: a color truly worthy of our Special Selection.

[Specifications]
・Type: Traditional Japanese Rain Umbrella (Janome-gasa)
・Canopy Material: Kyoto Kurotani handmade Unryu-shi (Waterproofed with natural plant oils)
・Color: Genkoku (Profound Black)
・Decorative Thread: Purple silk thread
・Frame: Madake bamboo, 44 ribs (Shunkei clear lacquer finish)
・Shaft & Handle: Natural Metake bamboo
・Stopper (Hajiki): Natural wood
・Top Cap (Kappa): Waterproof double-layered fabric
・Total Length: About 74cm (about 29.1inch)
・Diameter: About 105cm (about 41.3inch)

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.