The Story
Japanese Parasol Paris 'Ichigoko' — Japonisme-Era Wagasa Design
When Japan opened to the West in the 1860s after two centuries of isolation, Parisian society went mad for Japanese aesthetics. Kimonos appeared in society portraits, Japanese ceramics filled European collections, and the wagasa parasol became a fashion accessory among Paris's stylish women. Monet famously painted his wife holding one. The Ichigoko honors this moment of Japan-Paris aesthetic crossover.
The wave of enthusiasm was called Japonisme, and it fundamentally reshaped late-19th-century European art, fashion, and design. Japanese parasols appeared in Impressionist paintings by Monet, Renoir, Morisot, and Toulouse-Lautrec — sometimes as props, sometimes as central objects that defined the composition's aesthetic. This umbrella carries that historical crossover into a contemporary piece.
Built with a bamboo handle in traditional wagasa style, the Ichigoko measures 80cm across at 250g. The bamboo construction provides the traditional wagasa feel — natural flex, tactile warmth, and the sensory experience that genuine materials deliver. Eco-friendly design respects the material traditions that defined the historical parasol craft.
The Ichigoko works beautifully for photography, themed events, cultural gatherings, or as a distinctive everyday parasol with real historical depth. It also serves as a striking decorative piece in either Japanese-inspired or vintage European interiors, bridging both aesthetic traditions. A meaningful gift for anyone drawn to art history or Japonisme culture.
- Traditional craftsmanship
- Bamboo handle
- 80 cm diameter
- Lightweight: 250 g
- Eco-friendly design
Description
Japanese Parasol Paris 'Ichigoko' — Japonisme-Era Wagasa Design
When Japan opened to the West in the 1860s after two centuries of isolation, Parisian society went mad for Japanese aesthetics. Kimonos appeared in society portraits, Japanese ceramics filled European collections, and the wagasa parasol became a fashion accessory among Paris's stylish women. Monet famously painted his wife holding one. The Ichigoko honors this moment of Japan-Paris aesthetic crossover.
The wave of enthusiasm was called Japonisme, and it fundamentally reshaped late-19th-century European art, fashion, and design. Japanese parasols appeared in Impressionist paintings by Monet, Renoir, Morisot, and Toulouse-Lautrec — sometimes as props, sometimes as central objects that defined the composition's aesthetic. This umbrella carries that historical crossover into a contemporary piece.
Built with a bamboo handle in traditional wagasa style, the Ichigoko measures 80cm across at 250g. The bamboo construction provides the traditional wagasa feel — natural flex, tactile warmth, and the sensory experience that genuine materials deliver. Eco-friendly design respects the material traditions that defined the historical parasol craft.
The Ichigoko works beautifully for photography, themed events, cultural gatherings, or as a distinctive everyday parasol with real historical depth. It also serves as a striking decorative piece in either Japanese-inspired or vintage European interiors, bridging both aesthetic traditions. A meaningful gift for anyone drawn to art history or Japonisme culture.
- Traditional craftsmanship
- Bamboo handle
- 80 cm diameter
- Lightweight: 250 g
- Eco-friendly design
