Pair of Extra-Large Vintage Chinese Dragon & Phoenix Oil-Paper Parasols

Details

Description

A spectacular matched pair of extra-large vintage Chinese oil-paper parasols, each opening to an estimated six-and-a-half-foot diameter. Designed on an … Read more A spectacular matched pair of extra-large vintage Chinese oil-paper parasols, each opening to an estimated six-and-a-half-foot diameter. Designed on an architectural rather than conventional hand-held scale, these dramatic parasols create an immediate focal point when displayed as wall art, suspended overhead, or incorporated into a layered chinoiserie interior.

Each canopy is constructed from warm yellow-gold oil-treated paper over an intricate framework of split-bamboo ribs and secondary stretchers. Hand-laced cordwork secures the densely arranged framework, while dark ink decoration travels across the folded paper in elaborate compositions of dragons, phoenixes, scrolling clouds, hanging lanterns, meander borders, and auspicious character medallions.

The dragon-and-phoenix pairing traditionally conveys harmony, prosperity, happiness, and complementary forces, giving the parasols a celebratory presence beyond their considerable decorative scale. The translucent amber paper, rhythmic bamboo structure, and graphic black imagery create extraordinary visual texture when illuminated from behind or viewed as a wall installation.

Their dense rib construction and printed decoration are consistent with mid-20th-century Chinese oil-paper parasol production, likely created for the decorative or export market circa 1950s–1980s. No maker’s mark has been located, so the exact workshop or regional origin remains unidentified.

Both parasols have been opened and photographed. One detachable bamboo extension pole is included and may be used with either parasol; there is one extension pole for the set.

For the designer, these offer remarkable installation potential: display the pair open on opposing walls, suspend them above a dining or garden room, layer one over a console while displaying the second folded in a large floor vessel, or use them as sculptural backdrops in a maximalist, grandmillennial, or globally collected interior.

DIMENSIONS

Each parasol:
Approximately 78 in. diameter when opened
Approximately 44 in. long when folded

One detachable extension pole is included.

Because of the parasols’ large scale and delicate vintage paper, the open diameter is approximate.

Product Details
Period: Late 20th Century
Estimated Date: Circa 1960s–1980s
Country of Origin: China
Materials: Oil-treated paper, bamboo, cord, and wood
Techniques: Printed decoration, split-bamboo construction and hand-laced framework
Sold As: Set of two with one shared extension pole See less