Japanese umbrella 'Kanji writing'

The umbrella inked with red plum blossom and birds

This umbrella looks like a hanging scroll opened overhead. Across a white paper canopy, a plum tree spreads dark, ink-brushed branches heavy with red blossom, two small birds perch at the heart of the scene, and a line of black characters runs down one side. It's striking sumi-e brushwork turned into a parasol.

The contrast is striking: jet-black branches sweep across the bright white ground in confident ink strokes, the red plum flowers cluster along them in vivid dots, and the pair of perched birds gives the scene a quiet focal point. The brushed characters complete the look of a classical ink painting.

It's a traditional wagasa, with a paper canopy stretched over fine bamboo ribs radiating from a red-painted center hub. Held up, the white paper glows and the black-and-red painting reads crisp overhead, the bamboo spokes echoing the branching lines of the plum tree.

Plum blossom is among the first to flower at winter's end, a traditional symbol of resilience and renewal, which gives this striking design real meaning. As a decorative and ceremonial parasol, it suits photography, 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. An ink-painting parasol for anyone drawn to striking brushwork and the symbolism of the plum.

Held up to the light, the black branches and red blossom read like fresh ink on glowing paper, giving the parasol real graphic impact in photographs and on display. Kept out of the rain and handled with care, it holds its striking, scroll-like beauty through many a celebration and quiet display. Striking and graphic, it carries the spare drama of ink-on-paper painting straight overhead, a real conversation piece wherever it opens.

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