Wagasa Wagara Washi Print: Cranes & Pine Trees (38.5” x 32.25")

This is a Japanese woodblock print pattern (wagara) on traditional handmade paper (washi) intended for use as a traditional Japanese umbrella (wagasa) canopy. 
 
In Japanese art, the crane and the pine tree are powerful symbols of longevity, fidelity, and good fortune, often depicted together to create a powerful auspicious image. Cranes are revered for their perceived thousand-year lifespan and their lifelong pair-bonding, while the evergreen pine tree symbolizes steadfastness, resilience, and eternal life. When combined, they embody wishes for a long, happy, and prosperous life.
 
Had this been used for its original purpose, the washi paper would have been oiled and dried and then hand-painted. We are not sure if these are souvenir prints, suspecting that the washi paper used for umbrellas would have been thicker than these, but we could be wrong.
 
Washi is primarily made from the fibers of the kozo, mitsumata, and gampi plants, but can also include fibers from bamboo, hemp, or rice. Despite its light weight, washi is stronger and more durable than typical wood pulp paper, making it ideal for applications requiring longevity.
 
We found these among our mother’s collection of handmade papers. We know she visited Japan in 1969 and do not recall her visiting again later in life, but we could be wrong.
 
They are in good vintage condition, with no visible discoloring. There are some wrinkles in the paper but they should come out with little effort. There are also natural paper imperfections.
 
H 38 1/2” x L 32 1/4”
 
Disclaimer: We have tried to make sure colors shown in photos are representative of the real colors of each item. We have tried to identify all imperfections in descriptions, but we may have missed some. If you are unhappy with your purchase, let us know.