金沢和傘
Kanazawa Wagasa
Wagasas are traditional Japanese umbrellas which are made of washi paper attached to a bamboo frame, and are treated to ensure they are waterproof. Along with Kanazawa, there are regions in Japan, such as Kyoto and Gifu, that produce wagasas. The Kanazawa wagasas are one of the Kanazawa’s traditional crafts and have been uniquely developed in this city since the Edo period. What makes the Kanazawa wagasas different from other wagasas is their unique combination of beauty and outstanding functionality and sturdiness that enables them to withstand the local climate: heavy rainfall throughout the year and heavy snowfall in winter. This is achieved by using papers and threads that are a lot thicker than ones used for the wagasas produced in the other regions in Japan. The Kanazawa wagasas are said to last for half a century if treated with good care.
Six functional beauties
of the Kanazawa Wagasa
Chidori-gake
Various coloured threads are beautifully woven together on the inside. Chidori-gake is aesthetically pleasing but it also serves as reinforcement to strengthen the inner bamboo frame.
Koito-gake
The edges are sewn with a process called koito-gake, which strengthens the wagasa so that it withstands heavy snow in winter.
Rokuro
Rokuro is an important part of the wagasa that binds the bones of the head and handle of the umbrella to open and close. The rokuros are made of “Egonoki (styrax tree)” which are suitable for delicate processing.
Washi paper
A type of washi paper mainly used for the Kanazawa wagasas is called “Jun-Kouzo”, a thick and hard type of paper. Treated with persimmon tannin and bengara (red iron-oxide pigment), the paper is durable against rain, and has insect repellent and preservative effects.
Tenjo
Tenjo or the top part of the Kanazawa wagasas is made with 4 layers of the washi paper to protect the “rokuro”, offering durability against heavy rain and snow.
Bamboo
Originally, bones of the Kanazawa wagasas are made of “mosodake” bamboo, which is sturdier than “madake” bamboo. On the other hand, the "madake" bamboo, which is suitable for delicate processing, is now also used.
Shop Information
Shigeki Matsuda
(The third-generation owner)
The tradition and technique of the Kanazawa wagasas have been inherited by the craftsmen at Matsuda Wagasa Shop, including the third-generation owner: Shigeki Matsuda. Each wages is made by hand, one by one, and it takes more than 2 months to complete the whole process. These precious wagasas are available for purchase at Matsuda Wagasa Shop.
Address: 7-4, Sennichimachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 921-8023
Phone: 076-241-2853
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (non-scheduled holiday)
Karugano Factory
Gallery
Collaborations with artists
Wagasas with paintings by Kaga-Yuzen artists and Kutani porcelain artists.
Wagasa Higasa (parasol)
Wagasa higasa parasols have not been treated with oil, therefore the texture of washi papers can be felt nicely and directly. The shape of the rokuro (the top part of the wagasa) is the same as the rokuro used for the standard wagasa umbrellas to protect the parasols from the sudden rain, which happens frequently in Kanazawa. The shape of the rokuro makes the parasols unique to Kanazawa.
(please refrain from using the wagasa higasas n the rain.)
Fern leaves and a red line on the perimeter
Real fern leaves are sealed between the washi papers.
Miniature Kanazawa Wagasa
Treated with oil, lacquer and Chidori-gake, these miniture wagasa are small but they are just as authentic as the large Kanazawa Wagasa. Ideal as an interior decoration to add an essence of the traditional craft to your space.
Size : 300mm (Length) × 305mm (Diameter) 85mm (Thickness when closed)
Weight : 68g
Care Tips
For long-lasting use
1) Please take the umbrella out of the box, remove the fastening ring, and hang it from the ceiling in a well-ventilated place.
2) Do not open and close the umbrella roughly.
3) Avoid using the umbrella in strong winds.
4) After use, hang it half open in the shade for several days.
Contact
