Wagasa

Oil-paper umbrellas are generally known in Japanese as wagasa (和傘 or わがさ^?), meaning Japanese umbrella. The handle and scaffold are often colored black, however, sometimes other colors are applied as well. The surface paintings include traditional Japanese culture, gained popularity during the Edo period.

A style of oil-paper umbrella in Kyoto is called kyōwagasa (京和傘^?). Kyowagasa are completely handmade, colors and images are of Japanese features, materials are also strictly controlled. 

Other than its utility, oil-paper umbrellas appear quite often in Japanese culture, and are often associated with geisha, traditional dance, tea ceremony, and daily utility. Oil-paper umbrella shops in Gion have classified their customers into categories for different styles of oil-paper umbrella:

• Geisha use purple
• Dancers use pink
• Middle aged clients like green or red
• Men and elderly use dark blue
• Actors tend to pick black or brown

Different colors have different connotations and symbolism; in traditional weddings, brides are usually covered under a red oil-paper umbrella. Purple oil-paper umbrellas symbolize longevity and white oil-paper umbrellas are used in funerals.