Chiyo-gami is washi with a printed motif. They are often decorated with pictures of warriors, or bold lettering. When giving a formal gift, it is considered polite to tie the strings around the wrapping paper. On festive occasions the colors used are red and white, or gold and silver. At a sad time, black and white ones are used.
Japanese umbrellas have thick, oiled paper stuck to sturdy ribs of bamboo.
In the background is Stephan Kohler, an umbrella maker and journalist who lives in Japan. His finished umbrellas are drying in the sun. This tato-gami folding case, made of thick washi paper, is used to wrap a kimono or other clothing for storage. It keeps the inside dry and free from insects. Some fans are round, some rectangular.