An exhibition of silk umbrellas is held at the former residence of Du Jinsheng by West Lake. [Photo/WeChat account: hangzhoulingyin]

A special exhibition titled Du Jinsheng and West Lake Silk Umbrellas opened on Dec 30 at the former residence of Du Jinsheng in Hangzhou, offering a rare look at the elegance of West Lake silk umbrellas nearly a century ago. The exhibition runs through March 31.

The show presents a complete set of fine silk umbrellas themed on the 10 Scenic Views of West Lake, alongside a highlight display of West Lake silk umbrellas from the 1930s, meticulously recreated by national-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor Song Zhiming.

Du Jinsheng (1897–1968) was a renowned patriotic industrialist and master of Chinese silk brocade. Born near West Lake, he founded the Du Jinsheng Silk Weaving Factory and was a leading figure in reviving and modernizing traditional Chinese textile craftsmanship in the early 20th century.

First created in 1932, West Lake silk umbrellas feature bamboo frames, silk canopies and hand-brushed landscapes, pioneering the idea of carrying scenery with you. The craft was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage item in 2008.

Held at Du's former home by West Lake, the exhibition retraces the history of the umbrellas and their creator, while live demonstrations allow visitors to experience the traditional brush-printing techniques behind this iconic Hangzhou craft.

A variety of West Lake silk umbrellas are displayed. [Photo/WeChat account: hangzhoulingyin]