蛇(じゃ)の目傘(めがさ)

じゃのめがさ
noun
traditional Japanese paper umbrella
1. traditional Japanese paper umbrella
A traditional Japanese umbrella made of bamboo and oiled paper, characterized by a distinctive circular pattern resembling a snake's eye when viewed from above.
舞妓(まいこ)さんが赤(あか)い蛇(じゃ)の目傘(めがさ)を差(さ)している。
The maiko is holding a red traditional umbrella.
蛇(じゃ)の目傘(めがさ)は和装(わそう)に合(あ)う。
Traditional paper umbrellas match well with Japanese clothing.
職人(しょくにん)が一本(いっぽん)ずつ手作(てづく)りした蛇(じゃ)の目傘(めがさ)。
Traditional umbrellas handmade one by one by craftsmen.

ETYMOLOGY: 蛇(じゃ)の目(め) (snake's eye) + 傘(かさ) (umbrella). Named for the concentric circular pattern on the umbrella that resembles a snake's eye.

STRUCTURE:

  • Made of 竹(たけ) (bamboo) frame
  • Covered with 和紙(わし) (Japanese paper)
  • Waterproofed with 油(あぶら) (oil)
  • Characteristic concentric circle pattern

RELATED UMBRELLA TYPES:

  • 番傘(ばんがさ): plain traditional umbrella (simpler design)
  • 和傘(わがさ): general term for Japanese traditional umbrellas
  • 日傘(ひがさ): parasol (for sun protection)
  • 唐傘(からかさ): Chinese-style umbrella

USAGE CONTEXTS:

  • 茶道(さどう) (tea ceremony)
  • 舞踊(ぶよう) (traditional dance)
  • 結婚式(けっこんしき) (weddings - used for 和装(わそう))
  • 写真撮影(しゃしんさつえい) (photo shoots with kimono)
  • 旅館(りょかん) decorations

CULTURAL NOTE:
Traditional 蛇(じゃ)の目傘(めがさ) are now mainly used for ceremonial purposes, photography, and as decorations, having been largely replaced by Western-style umbrellas for everyday use. They are handcrafted by skilled artisans, with famous production areas including Gifu and Kyoto.

Related Words

Related: 傘(かさ) (umbrella)
general
Added 2026.1.17 23:45 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06000/06452_janomegasa