Chaing Mai Bo Sang: Preserving the Ancient Art of the Umbrella

By Bonnie Carroll –

A visit to the Bo Sang Umbrella Village, located 8 kilometers east of Chaing Mai, is a pleasant introduction to a collection of talented artisans who make and decorate the world renowned sa paper umbrellas and parasols. This is an art form that has been handed down for centuries, and today their beautiful custom painted designs can be requested for souvenir gifts and trip treasures at a very reasonable price. The entrance to the umbrella-making village, and the ceiling of the center are filled with colorful umbrellas.

The seven-hundred-year old city of Chaing Mai is the hub of Northern Thailand, with a population of 170,000 in the city proper and more than 1 million in the metropolitan area. It offers an abundance of greenery, is historically known as the “Rose of the North,” and is sometimes referred to as the “iron lung” of Thailand due to the lush countryside surrounded by mountains, along with the natural beauty of the region. The cosmopolitan growth in the city centers is now attracting an abundance of tourist annually, however, the basic charm of this area that is so rich in history is revered and is being preserved by proud Chaing Mai residents.

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Watching the beginning to end process of the workers at Bo Sang, who create umbrellas, parasols, paper lamps, fans and other artistic gift items, is fascinating. They start with the bamboo struts, and cover them with moist mulberry paper, then they put them out to dry and complete their umbrella or parasol with beautiful artwork. With meticulous precision these artists create designs on umbrellas, parasols or fans. They are pleased do any artwork requested on items brought to them by visitors, such as hats, purses, jackets or t-shirts. The work is done in minutes and dries instantly to last forever.

The shop connected to the Bo Sang is a large handicraft center that sells a huge collection of beautiful gift items. The center will arrange for mailing of your gifts overseas to your home if they are too large to carry on the plane with you. Items for sale include art work, picture frames, silver, fans, lovely lamp shades, wood carvings, patio lights, table mats and more. Items for children include miniature parasol painting kits and small hand carved toys.

A talented young man, who is perfecting the ancient Chaing Mai Lanna art designs, painted a beautiful elephant on my camera bag. Lanna, which means 1 million rice fields, is a word from the past but is the basis for a huge resurgence in cultural pride. Lanna culture is a colorful blending of elements from history and multi-ethnic expressions of Chaing Mai, an historic region of trade along the Silk Road for centuries that has today become an eclectic blending of many cultures. During the third week in January Bo Sang holds a festival that highlights the works of the local umbrella artisans, and people travel from around the world to attend. The cultural event includes a competition for the best umbrella, music, food and a parade and beauty pageant.

Bonnie Carroll photo drink umbrella DSC05891 - CopyWhile resting in the outside cafe, to wait for my fellow travelers, I discovered a refreshing green tea ice blended beverage made with green tea ice cream. It was not only an ideal hot weather beverage, but was beautifully decorated with a sweet pink paper umbrella. This lovely pink and green delicious drink looked like it was made to be served at the pool bar in the Beverly Hills Hotel. For additional information on this creative artisan center please visit: visitchiangmai.com.au.

 

Note: Bonnie Carroll lives in Santa Barbara, California and has been a journalist and travel writer for over twenty-two years. She is the publisher of Bonnie Carroll’s Life Bites News, online international monthly magazine founded in 2004 (www.lifebitesnews.com).

Her lifestyle and travel news reports are heard on KVOT 1340, and Around the World Travel Radio. Contact her at writebc@aol.com.

 

 

 

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Chaing Mai Bo Sang: Preserving the Ancient Art of the Umbrella
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