Japanese Flowered Parasol 'Gasuka'

The flowered umbrella crowning a pond of koi

This umbrella pairs a flowering display with a quiet pond. Across a soft cream canopy, peonies open in red and pink with butterflies hovering near, while toward the lower edge a few koi carp swim through gently suggested water. The blossoms draw the eye first, but it's the koi gliding below that give the scene its calm.

The painting balances the two halves: above, the peonies glow warm against the pale ground, petals layered and full, with butterflies adding flickers of movement; below, the carp swim in soft oranges and golds, their water washed in pale tones that ground the bright flowers in stillness. The pale water of the lower half balances the warmth of the peonies above.

It's a traditional wagasa, with a paper canopy stretched over fine bamboo ribs radiating from a red-painted center hub. Held overhead, the cream paper warms in the light and the flower-and-koi scene glows, the bamboo spokes fanning through the painting.

With peonies for prosperity and koi for perseverance, the design carries a gently auspicious meaning, ideal for celebrations. As a decorative and ceremonial parasol, it suits photography, weddings, traditional dress and display rather than rainy days.

Built on a bamboo handle with an 80 cm canopy and a light 250 g body, it's crafted traditionally with an eco-minded approach. A flower-and-koi parasol for anyone who loves a canopy with both blossom and quiet water.

Twirled slowly overhead, the peonies catch the light while the koi drift quietly below, a balanced scene that photographs beautifully for weddings and celebrations. Kept out of the rain and handled with care, the painted paper holds its garden-pond mood across many a photo session and quiet display.

• Traditional craftsmanship
• Bamboo handle
• 80 cm diameter
• Lightweight: 250 g
• Eco-friendly design