Japanese Umbrellas Designed By Kabuki Actor Put Up For Internet Auction
A pair of traditional Japanese-style umbrellas, or "wagasa," designed by a popular Kabuki actor has been put up for auction in a bid to attract future practitioners to the time-honored craft of wagasa making.
Wagasa umbrellas are an important prop in kabuki. However, few young people are choosing to take up the craft.
A firm handling kabuki stage props came up with the idea of organizing the online auction to help foster new talent.
Famed actor Onoe Ukon wrote two Chinese characters using a calligraphy brush on the surfaces of two umbrellas. One reads "will" and the other "explosion".
Onoe Ukon said he hopes the auction will inspire more people to take an interest in wagasa.
Proceeds from the auction will be donated to a project to train wagasa artisans. Bids will be accepted through May 27.