Lillian Wong’s Parasol , 1900 to 1950
49 x 7 cm (h x w)
Parasol
[H986.33.5]

This parasol was from the wardrobe of Ms. Lillian Ho Wong, a Vancouver-based Chinese Canadian woman born in 1895. Wong used this parasol from around 1900 to 1950. Parasol has a long history of Chinese nobility culture and fashion. Initially, they were made from natural resources such as bamboo and tree leaves. Later, technological developments allowed the canopy to be made of animal skin and other synthetic materials. Due to its high manufacturing cost and limited resources, parasols were used exclusively by nobilities, clergies, and royalties in its early days. Parasol could protect users from the sun and tanning. As noble people valued pale skin over tanned skin, parasols gained popularity as a fashionable accessory. Carrying a parasol soon became a symbol of wealth and power. However, people’s attitudes toward tanned skin took a complete flip in the 1930s. Tanned skin symbolized outdoor leisure time, which was a statement of high social status.

Exhibited by:

Violet Wolfe

Other works by Unknown

Terracotta Head Portraying a Dead Royal Personage , 13th-14th Century
aeszyman
Sandstone ba statue of a woman , 2ndC-3rdC
h = 45.8 cm
Sandstone
aeszyman
Bark Stand of king Natakamani and Queen Amanitore , ca.1-25 AD
116 x 84 cm (h x w)
Sandstone
aeszyman
Stela of Queen Amanishakheto , 1st century AD
39.5 x 24.4 x 3 cm (h x w x d)
Sandstone
aeszyman
Jacky , 1965
24 x 20 x 1 in (h x w x d)
Donald Courtney

More from Violet Wolfe

Teleporter g5
Violet Wolfe
Teleporter g4
Violet Wolfe
teleporter g3
Violet Wolfe
Teleporter g2
Violet Wolfe
Teleport N4
350 x 100 cm (h x w)
Violet Wolfe