#Rain #Shine #Antique #Parasols #Vintage #Umbrellas #WorthPoint
Humans have protected their skin from the ravages of the sun and the chill of the rain for centuries. Ancient Egyptians often depicted themselves in hieroglyphic images as being shielded from the desert rays by tree leaves and palm branches. In China, as far back as 3500 BC, animal skins stretched across bamboo sticks provided a bit of shelter and relief from mother nature’s torments. It wasn’t until the 1800s that high society made the utilitarian instrument an essential fashion accessory. Once their design was elevated, so was the standard for storing them. These antique and vintage parasols, umbrellas, and umbrella stands are elegant remnants of the past, displaying a timeless charm that symbolizes a slower and exquisitely formal era.
Shelter From the Rain
While a parasol is meant to shade the sun and an umbrella has the waterproofing necessary to ward off the rain, both are simply a canopy overhead to block the elements. Ancient people living in wet climates discovered that coating their paper or silk parasols with wax created a barrier to repel the rain.
Widespread use of the umbrella existed until the fall of the Roman Empire and then diminished, only to resurface as a popular instrument again during the Renaissance.
Becoming a Unisex Accessory
The use of such a dainty object had largely been considered exclusive to women, except for nobles and royalty. In the 1800s, Jonas Hanway, founder of the first Magdalen Hospital in England, changed that perception when he chose to carry one during every outing. He endured countless jeers from his neighbors, who viewed this as a controversial choice for a man. It was perceived as making a man look weak as if he couldn’t endure getting wet.
It took some time, but once the umbrella became accepted for unisex use, some manufacturers redesigned the structural architecture to be a more durable, less fanciful instrument. These new designs became widely publicized in advertisements, making the umbrella a common accessory for anyone to carry. In 1830, the umbrella store James Smith and Sons opened in London’s West End and still operates today. They own the original patent on the steel-ribbed collapsing system that modern umbrellas have today. Samuel Fox, the inventor who sold it to them, took his inspiration from corsets.
The modern umbrella with its collapsible compact frame didn’t come about until 1928 when Hans Haupt sought an easily portable and pocketable solution to its earlier bulky counterpart. His folding alternative changed the industry and ushered in a new era of models of varying sizes and colors. Since then, umbrellas have become an everyday necessity and often a canvas for everything from artistic displays to advertisements. Even design houses manufacture them for the lofty fashionista who wants to remain dry.
From Formal to Funky
Antique or vintage parasols remain a popular choice amongst collectors due to the many examples that can be found—from elaborate, ethnic multi-tiered spectacles to Victorian lace or feather festooned examples, their artistic presentation is impressive. Intricately carved handles, often made from materials like ivory or mother-of-pearl, added an extra layer of interest to these accessories. They are an element of fashion that is both practical and display-worthy, revered for their delicate beauty.
These fanciful accessories were even used in on-stage performances, sometimes of the bawdy sort, like in a burlesque show! Many antique parasols still exist as these were widely used a part of every well-dressed lady’s ensemble. Funky vintage umbrellas have the same draw. Splashy or displaying a famous slogan or character makes them all the more viable for collecting.
Decorative Umbrella Stands are Equally Elegant
Arriving home after a stroll in the park and needing a place to store your treasured parasol requires an equally important stand. Umbrella stands next to the door have traditionally been a part of any well-dressed foyer. These stands also held the gentleman’s companion, a walking cane.
Every culture produced stands, and you can find variances made of porcelain, majolica, wood, or any sort of metal. Gorgeous depictions of Asian designs, French or Italian faience, simplistic art deco, and arts and crafts styles abound. Their multi-use nature makes them a beautiful catchall that interior designers like to incorporate in many ways, not just for holding your umbrella. Add ting ting grass or a floral arrangement, and it could just as easily be a focal point, an oversized vase for your entry table.
Parasols stand as reminders of a bygone era, where fashion was an art form, and accessories were crafted with meticulous care. Their journey through history, marked by changing styles and cultural nuances, adds to their allure. They don’t have to be antique to be valuable, either. Modern umbrella renditions keep that statement piece relevance alive. They appeal to a broad range of collectors, and some even use them!
Whether preserving the elegance of a time gone by, adding a rare piece of advertising to your umbrella collection, or celebrating your favorite designer in the rain, these overhead domes steadily weather the resale market’s ups and downs.
Christine Douglas is an Accredited Estate Liquidator with the American Society of Estate Liquidators and a Graduate of the Asheford Institute of Antiques. In conjunction with owning J and C Estate Sales based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she is a 2022 Communicator Awards winner for her work as Associate Editor of 110° Magazine in Brentwood, CA.
WorthPoint—Discover. Value. Preserve.
