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Snout & Seek
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Snout & Seek

Traditional Oil-paper Umbrellas

Photo: Traditional Oil Umbrellas made by hand in Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
Five oil paper umbrellas resting on old stone ground near a tree in a Chinese market in Luzhou, Sichuan, China.

Oil-paper umbrellas in Sichuan are traditionally made by hand using bamboo frames, cotton thread, and paper brushed with tung oil for waterproofing. Every step—from splitting the bamboo to applying layers of oil—requires patience and skill passed down through generations. Beyond their beauty, these umbrellas symbolize protection, good fortune and the belief that handmade objects carry the spirit of the people who craft them.

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