Yodoe Gasa (Yodoe Japanese Umbrellas)
Yodoe Gasa (Yodoe Japanese Umbrellas)
Yodoe Gasa are wagasa (Japanese umbrellas) made in Yodoe Town, Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture. They are said to have begun in Bunsei 4 (1821), when 倉吉屋周蔵, who came from Kurayoshi, opened an umbrella shop in Yodoe. Inviting 西金蔵 from Tsuyama in Meiji 14 (1881) to provide guidance on production became the catalyst for its growth. The wide sandy beach where umbrellas could be dried all at once, and the easy availability of good bamboo, also worked in its favor. In the Taisho era, the number of manufacturers grew to 71, shipping about 170,000 umbrellas a year throughout western Japan and elsewhere. It declined with the spread of Western-style umbrellas, and in 1984 (Showa 59) the last manufacturer closed. The following year, in 1985, 淀江傘伝承の会 (a society for passing down Yodoe Gasa) was founded and has carried on the techniques. The mainstays are sturdy bangasa and janome-gasa, characterized by janome designs shaped like plum blossoms or tortoiseshell (kikko) and by colorful thread decoration. It is one of the Tottori Prefecture Local Crafts designated by the Governor of Tottori Prefecture.
Origin
Yodoe Gasa is said to have originated in Bunsei 4 (1821) in the Edo period. It is said to have begun when 倉吉屋周蔵, who came to Yodoe from Kurayoshi, opened an umbrella shop, and in 2021 Yonago City held the 'Yodoe Gasa 200th Anniversary Project'. Yodoe had a wide sandy beach built up from the sand of the Hino River, where it is said that more than 10,000 umbrellas could be dried at once. The easy availability of high-quality bamboo in the surrounding area was another reason umbrella making took root.
History
In Meiji 14 (1881), 西金蔵 of Tsuyama (present-day Okayama Prefecture) was invited to give guidance on production, which became the starting point for the growth of Yodoe Gasa. In the Taisho era, the number of manufacturers reached 71, shipping about 170,000 umbrellas a year. After the war, manufacturers closed one after another as Western-style umbrellas spread, and in 1984 the last manufacturer closed. In the meantime, in 1976, the production techniques had been designated an Intangible Cultural Property of the former Yodoe Town. In 1985, 淀江傘伝承の会 was founded and continues to pass on the techniques and train successors.
Features
Yodoe Gasa centers on bangasa for everyday use and janome-gasa, which were regarded as auspicious. They are known for being practical and sturdy, and are distinguished by their janome designs (plum blossom, tortoiseshell) and distinctive thread decoration. Using local bamboo, they are made by hand from making the umbrella ribs to finishing. Umbrellas are made in sizes ranging from about 1 meter in diameter up to nodate-gasa (large umbrellas used at outdoor tea gatherings) more than 2 meters across.
Techniques
Thread decoration (ito-kazari)
Decoration in which colorful silk threads are stitched on the inside of the umbrella, linking the ribs to one another and keeping them taut. It is applied to janome-gasa and nodate-gasa, and on janome-gasa a thread decoration called 'kikyo-kazari' (bellflower decoration) is considered characteristic. The combination of thread colors is also part of what makes Yodoe Gasa distinctive.
Oiling (abura-biki)
A technique in which vegetable oil such as linseed oil is applied to an umbrella covered with washi, which is then dried in the sun to improve its water resistance and durability. Oiled washi changes over the years from white to a warm golden color. In the past, thousands of umbrellas were lined up on the beach to dry.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Preparing the bamboo
Bamboo is cut from nearby bamboo groves and dried in a storehouse. The bamboo, cut to size, is soaked in water to remove its bitterness (aku) and make it easier to work.
- 2
Making the ribs
The outer skin is shaved thin, lines are drawn in ink, and the bamboo is split with a bamboo-splitting knife. The width and thickness are adjusted with special machines and planes, and the nodes are shaved off to make the main ribs and the stretcher ribs.
- 3
Assembling (tsunagi)
The main ribs, stretcher ribs, handle and rokuro (the part that bundles the ribs and lets the umbrella open and close) are assembled one by one with needle and thread.
- 4
Covering (dobari)
Washi cut using paper patterns is pasted onto the ribs with warabiko paste. It is pasted up while wrinkles are smoothed out with the warmth of the hands.
- 5
Oiling
Vegetable oil such as linseed oil is applied, and the umbrella is dried in the sun. This is repeated to improve water resistance and durability.
- 6
Thread decoration and finishing
Janome-gasa and nodate-gasa are finished with thread decoration, in which colored threads are stitched on the inside. From a single piece of bamboo to completion, there are more than 70 steps.
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Artisans & Workshops
淀江傘伝承の会
An organization founded in 1985 to carry on the production techniques of Yodoe Gasa. It runs 和傘伝承館 (a wagasa heritage hall), and in the adjoining workshop makes bangasa, janome-gasa and even large nodate-gasa by hand. Centered on 山本恵美子, a Tottori Prefecture Certified Traditional Craftsperson, its craftspeople work to pass on the techniques and train successors.
和傘工房 初音
A workshop led by 長谷川有紗, who learned the techniques at 和傘伝承館. It makes practical wagasa with designs in vivid colors. It also exhibited umbrellas at the 2021 exhibition marking the 200th anniversary of Yodoe Gasa.
How to Buy
- 淀江傘伝承の会（和傘伝承館）
- The base of 淀江傘伝承の会, at 淀江796, Yodoe Town, Yonago City. Tottori Prefecture advises contacting the producer directly about purchases. Besides wagasa, the society also makes wagasa lanterns (andon), mini umbrellas and more. Phone: 0859-56-6176.
Hands-on Experiences
和傘伝承館（淀江和傘伝承館）
鳥取県米子市淀江町淀江796
A facility introducing the history and designs of Yodoe Gasa, run by 淀江傘伝承の会. You can watch the production process and try making a mini umbrella. Reservations are required for the experience. It is about a 5-minute walk from JR Yodoe Station, and parking is available.
FAQ
Q. What is the difference between bangasa and janome-gasa?
A. Bangasa are everyday umbrellas, the type made in the greatest numbers in Yodoe, and their appeal is their sturdiness. Janome-gasa are umbrellas decorated with a ring pattern; they were considered auspicious, and there was also a custom of sending one with a daughter leaving home to marry. Yodoe's janome-gasa are distinguished by plum-blossom and tortoiseshell shapes and by thread decoration.
Q. In what situations are Yodoe Gasa used?
A. Besides rain umbrellas, large nodate-gasa are used at outdoor tea gatherings. Dance umbrellas (odori-gasa) used in dance performances have also been made. At the 2021 exhibition marking the 200th anniversary of Yodoe Gasa, about 200 umbrellas were displayed, including janome-gasa, bangasa and dance umbrellas.
Q. Are the parts of Yodoe Gasa made locally?
A. As of 2021, the rokuro, the part that bundles the ribs, was made by only one business in Gifu Prefecture, and 淀江傘伝承の会 also ordered them from there. That year, Yonago City began an attempt to make rokuro locally, using Japanese snowbell (egonoki) trees that were scheduled to be felled at the Yonago Castle ruins.