chinese parasol -- anyone know about these things?

[Better Dresses Vintage]

Hi -

What I know:

Made of bamboo -- the shaft, the little doohickey that pops out/presses in to hold it open, even the ribs; wooden handle (cracked), cotton string, and what feels like a papery leather (cracking apart) on the top tip. The fabric feels like silk, but I just don't know.

Ethnic things are confusing to me. Some are made today the same way now as they were for centuries.

Is there some clue that tells us when this is from?

The estate contained 20s to modern, with at least a hundred 1950s/60s purses and hats. Craziest thing! Sort of "vintage hoarders." Endless Shirley Temple dolls.

Measures only 19.5" top to bottom, and 25" across when open. It's small, yet does not seem to be intended for a child.

Any ideas? New, old, or in between?

I'm keeping it for myself, but I'd like to have an idea when it's from. Thanks!

 

[BonniesVintageClothesLine]

I know absolutely nothing about this sort of thing and wish I could help you....but the estate sounds like it must have been a great deal of fun! Hope you got some wonderful treasures!

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

I know that these were popular in the 20s, but I cannot tell from your photos.
The ones that I had, the "umbrella" part was lacquered paper.

 

[Pinkcoke]

I don't have experience with these, but it looks on the newer side to me. The choice of dragonflies, the colours, the way the mechanism isn't discoloured with use, the wood is still very pale.

 

[pinky-a-gogo]

I don't have experience with these, but it looks on the newer side to me. The choice of dragonflies, the colours, the way the mechanism isn't discoloured with use, the wood is still very pale.

I agree with Melanie. The dragonflies and coloring do make this seem newer.
They still make these today--with the same mechanisms, etc.
The smaller ones are great for keeping the sun off of you while strolling.

 

[Better Dresses Vintage]

The color made me think it was newer, as well. But then the thing does show signs of wear and time. The leather at the tip, for example, and the cracked handle. Doesn't matter, really, until and unless I go to sell it, which isn't the plan for now : ).

 

[pastperfect2]

I know my grandmother brought one back in the 1950s, so it's anybody's guess.

 

[StelmaDesigns]

I don't know myself except to say that several years ago we bought gorgeous handmade parasols in Thailand and they are even more detailed in workmanship than yours so I think dating is going to be a bugger. Mine, to the unknowing could pass for older as the detail is quite something to me. I just say this for perspective.

 

[Better Dresses Vintage]

This is what I meant, everybody. It's just so hard to tell with these handmade, ethnic-type things. It looks and feels old, and there are signs of aging. But here in Atlanta, that can simply mean poor storage and climate-induced "wear." Then again, this estate was weird.

Still so sad about 1920s dress that looked absolutely perfect, but shattered if you touched it : (. Darned climate.

Doesn't much matter, since it's going into my "grown up, but still playing dress-up stash" for the time being.

Thanks all!