ABC Wed U for Umbrella

I bought this decorative Umbrella last yr when we went to Quartzite Arizona, as i am planing on having my last theme room done in Asian theme. But have not used it yet. Not sure that i will specially if the place sells .
This is the underside , i think this was made out of some kind of wood, i was thinking it might be bamboo but not sure. Be sure to click on photos to get larger images.

The invention of umbrellas is a gift to many as it is very useful especially for both seasons of summer and rainy days. The word umbrella is another term of parasol, which means protection from the heat of the sun that could cause damage to the skin and used in most Asian countries. Umbrellas have a rich history since its use traveled from one country to another. From its typical form, umbrellas now come in a variety of physical features especially on its form, colors, and design.

Umbrellas were first invented and used in China mostly by high-ranking people though not necessarily royalties. This was been proved when servants carried about twenty-four umbrellas before the Emperor to protect him from the rain during his hunting activity. The use of umbrellas has become the country’s tradition, which existed until now. After that, umbrellas were then carried to Japan through Korea and were introduced to Persia and Western world countries. On the other side, the other name of umbrellas called parasol conquered some of the sculptures of Nineveh where it appeared frequently. Various shapes of umbrellas had been found also in Egypt and some of the carved work in Persepolis, an ancient city of Persia. The use of umbrellas became popular also in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world until now.

Umbrellas are usually made of a wire frame that serves as its bone topped with a silk or linen fabric when it was first used but now made with water resistant fabric stretched until the tips of the wires, forming a cover. Its handle usually forms a “J” shaped for easy handling though there are also umbrellas without it but is using a typical handle. There are other types of umbrellas other than the parasol and the classic umbrellas we’re using everyday. The one we usually see in outdoor markets and sidewalk cafes on every table is called market umbrellas whose primary use is to offer shade to its customers. Beach lovers are very much familiar with the use of beach umbrellas as these umbrellas are typically large to protect one or more people against the sun. These beach umbrellas have skirted valance and spiky end made perfectly for anchoring the sand.

Patio umbrellas are umbrellas commonly used in ones backyard. Patio umbrellas can be used both with a patio table and could be stand-alones. These umbrellas can be as large as the beach umbrellas and can be smaller as the hand-held umbrellas. Unlike the other types of umbrellas, certain features are available in patio umbrellas like the tilting mechanism wherein the user can adjust the coverage area whenever the sun moves. Lights are also installed in patio umbrellas that can be plugged in the evening if there’s an occasion.

The typical hand-held umbrellas we’re using these days can be sometimes folded or not. Folded umbrellas are perfect for those who don’t want to bring bulky umbrellas as they can put it inside their bags. Umbrellas now come in a variety of colors and designs, made attractively to support the consumer’s taste.