Umbrella (wagasa - 和傘)

The japanese traditional umbrella (Wagasa) is made of paper and oiled to be waterproof. The structure is made of bamboo. The umbrella came from China, but in the Azuchi Momoyama period (1568-1603) the folding version was invented.

Japanese also use parasols as a white skin is a sign of beauty. Even today it is common to see ladies protecting themselves with a parasol looking like an modern umbrella but often with some laces on the edge to express its use.

http://www.wagasa.com/en/kyowagasa/index.html