Umbrella Artisan Yu Wanlun’s Commitment to Oil-Paper Umbrellas

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http://mp42.china.com.cn/video_tide/video/2020/8/14/20208141597366110944_408.mp4

Originated in China over 1000 years ago, the oil-paper umbrella is the earliest water-proof accessory in history. Purely hand-made with natural materials, the antique artefact symbolizes the wisdom of ancient Chinese people. However, oil-paper umbrellas have been gradually replaced by modern metallic umbrellas with the passage of time. But to umbrella artisan Yu Wanlun, they are irreplaceable, as oil-paper umbrellas are what he is committed to.

Yu Wanlun, born in Luzhou, Sichuan, has lived a life inseparable from oil-paper umbrellas. “My maternal grandfather and maternal uncle are umbrella artisans in our hometown. I have been helping my mother make umbrellas since I was little,” Yu said. When he grew older, he officially became Bi Liufu’s apprentice (Bi Liufu, Yu’s maternal uncle, is the sixth-generation inheritor of the Luzhou oil-paper umbrella, an art listed as national intangible cultural heritage), and embarked on a career as an umbrella artisan.

The advent of modern-day umbrellas has dealt a heavy blow to traditional oil-paper ones. One by one, oil-paper umbrella artisans in Yu’s hometown switched to other professions. In an effort to preserve the time-honored craftsmanship, Yu left his hometown for Hangzhou in 2011, hoping to raise public awareness about the value of oil-paper umbrella. “When I started out in Hangzhou, my umbrellas were dismissed by many as poorly-made and ugly. I felt hurt. To me, criticizing my umbrellas was like criticizing me, or even worse than criticizing me.” 

Yu Wanlun believes innovation is essential to preserve the traditional art’s legacy. To cater to modern needs, Yu has produced the Zhuyin-themed oil-paper umbrellas, coupling floral and plant patterns with traditional techniques. “When people set eyes on oil-paper umbrellas, the first thing they see is the surface. Therefore, an exquisite and novel cover is a must to attract their attention. After all, it is impossible to expect them to learn the culture and techniques about the umbrella unless they develop an interest in the umbrella itself first.” Yu believes true inheritance means discarding the dross and selecting the essence, as well as incorporating contemporary elements. 

In recent years, Yu’s oil-paper umbrellas have been popular both at home and abroad. Speaking of the high praises his umbrellas have won, Yu beamed with delight. “The other day, I was so excited that a French client used the word ‘miracle’ to describe my umbrellas, though the translation might have been exaggerated. Still, I believe my umbrellas are nothing short of a miracle.” Yu Wanlun hopes oil-paper umbrellas can be back into daily life as more people start to appreciate the traditional craftsmanship.

Executive Producer   Wang Xiaohui

Production Supervisor   Xue Lisheng

Co-production Supervisor   Dai Fan

Associate Producer   Zhang Ruomeng

Director&Editor   Luo Lansudan

Videographer  Han Xinhao Gao Yuzhi

Presented by China.org.cn