These traditional Japanese umbrellas (usually red ones) are only used in (wedding) ceremonies at shrines, in Kabuki theater, by geisha at certain occasions, at the entrance of traditional Japanese restaurants, etc. The ceremonial ones in this picture are about 1.8 meters / 6 feet tall - and they are pretty heavy as well. They are made of strips of bamboo and covered with lacquered washi, Japanese hand made paper. Smaller ones, the kind you can see in Juliano's picture in the Exhibition gallery, are for sale at souvenir shops for tourists
Julian
