Hokusai inspires new range of traditional Japanese umbrellas
New traditional Japanese style “Maiko Umbrellas” inspired by legendary artist Katsushika Hokusai will soon go on sale.
The “Maiko Umbrella,” also referred to as an “Odori Umbrella” or “Buyo Umbrella,” is a type of Japanese parasol traditionally used in classical Japanese performing arts, including Japanese dance (buyō) and Kabuki theater.
These umbrellas are integral to the visual presentation of these art forms, often featuring vibrant colors and intricate designs that complement the performers’ costumes and movements.
“Hokusai Graphic” is a Japanese umbrella company that specializes in umbrella designs featuring traditional Japanese patterns and motifs.
The brand aims to emulate the design philosophy of Katsushika Hokusai, a renowned ukiyo-e artist, by creating innovative and visually engaging designs that appeal to a contemporary audience.
The brand offers a range of umbrella types, including long umbrellas, folding umbrellas, and traditional Japanese umbrellas.
Their contemporary interpretations of the “Maiko Umbrella” are distinguished by their bold, modern, and vivid original Japanese pattern graphics, which are printed across the entire umbrella fabric.
The interior decorative threads are also colored, and the ferrule, the metal cap at the umbrella’s tip, is engraved with the Hokusai Graphic crest.
The “Maiko Umbrella” comes with a detachable umbrella holder, designed for convenient carrying, which can also be repurposed as a bracelet or hair clip when the umbrella is not in use.
The umbrella holder is adorned with a pearl, which features an engraved blue sea wave pattern, a motif associated with the “Hokusai Graphics” brand.
These umbrellas are marketed for a variety of uses, including as accessories to complement traditional Japanese attire such as yukata and kimono, as well as Western-style clothing.
They are also popular as props for photography, decorative ornaments for interior spaces, and as souvenirs.
The “Maiko Umbrella” designs are intended to add a distinctive aesthetic to both everyday and special occasions.
Three new “Maiko Umbrella” designs have been announced:
Maiko Umbrella – Full Moon
This design features a depiction of a full moon, presented in a composition that evokes the traditional Japanese umbrella pattern known as “snake eye” (janome).
The design offers a dual visual experience, appearing as a traditional “snake eye” pattern from a distance and revealing a detailed full moon upon closer inspection.
Maiko Umbrella – White Plum
This design incorporates a white plum blossom motif, accompanied by a gold leaf design.
The design is inspired by the “Red and White Plum Blossoms Screen” (Kōhaku bai zu byōbu) by Ogata Korin, a prominent painter and craftsman from the mid-Edo period.
Maiko Umbrella – Gashadokuro
This design features an image of the “Gashadokuro,” a skeletal monster from Japanese folklore.
The “Gashadokuro” is depicted as a giant skeleton, believed to be formed from the bones and grudges of unburied deceased individuals.
The design draws inspiration from Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s ukiyo-e print, “The Old Palace of Soma” (Sōma no furudairi), which is credited with popularizing the modern depiction of the “Gashadokuro.”
It is important to note that these Japanese umbrellas operate differently from Western-style umbrellas. They are opened by rotating the handle until the umbrella naturally extends, and then gently pushing the canopy downwards.
The “Maiko Umbrella” are not designed for use in rain or under intense UV rays and should not be used in strong winds due to the risk of damage.
The new umbrella collection will be available from Hokusai Graphic stores in Japan as well as “The Ichi” online store from Friday, March 21st 2025.
Each umbrella will cost 24,090 yen (approx. $161.78 USD / £124.82 GBP).
The total dimensions of a single umbrella are: length: 71cm; diameter: 81.5cm; weight: 350g.
Source: PR Times
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