Pathein hti (ပုသိမ်ထီး) is the iconic hand-crafted traditional umbrella originating from Pathein, the capital city of the Ayeyarwady Region in Myanmar. Famous for its vibrant colors, hand-painted motifs, and all-natural construction, it is one of Myanmar's most recognized cultural symbols and artisanal handicrafts.
During the Konbaung Dynasty, umbrella making was heavily restricted—parasols served as exclusive status symbols reserved for royalty and monks.
Following the fall of the Burmese monarchy in 1885, royal umbrella artisans left the court. In the early 20th century, master artisan U Shwe Sar relocated to Pathein and adapted royal crafting techniques for everyday use. The resulting parasols came to be known as Pathein hti after the town where the industry flourished.
Each Pathein umbrella is made entirely from natural, locally sourced materials using traditional hand tools:
Ribs & Frame: Crafted from aged Thara Khu bamboo. The bamboo strips are soaked in water to prevent insect infestation before assembly.
Hub & Handle: Lathe-carved from hardwoods such as teak or Ma Tu Shwe Wa wood.
Canopy: Stretched using cotton, silk, satin, or oiled paper. Artisans paste the fabric onto the frame using glue derived from tapioca (Palawpinan) or natural tree resins.
Painting: Hand-painted with fine brushwork featuring floral motifs (such as lotus flowers), peacocks, landscape scenes, or traditional geometric patterns.
Religious Ceremonies: Widely carried during novice ordination (Shinbyu) processions and festival parades.
Traditional Performance: Used as key props in classical Myanmar dance, such as the lively U Shwe Yoe & Daw Moe dance.
Interior & Travel Decor: Purchased frequently by visitors as handcrafted souvenirs, lampshades, and decorative pieces for homes and resorts.
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