kelanawisata.id, Klaten – The Juwiring Painted Umbrella, a hallmark of creativity from Juwiring District, is one of Klaten’s traditional handicrafts. According to Solopos.com, in 2022 the Juwiring Umbrella was designated as an intangible cultural heritage of Indonesia. According to the Ministry of Education and Culture’s website, the Juwiring Umbrella is believed to have existed since the 19th century.

The residents’ creativity in making Juwiring Umbrellas began when the nobility of the Surakarta Sultanate commissioned umbrellas for royal ceremonies. These umbrellas were crafted from wood, paper, and fabric, then painted with vibrant colors.

According to the klaten.go.id website, Juwiring Umbrellas were traditionally used for funeral ceremonies and traditional rituals. Over time, the Juwiring Painted Umbrella has evolved into a distinctive craft whose original royal functions are no longer used by the nobility.

As reported by Solopos, the key difference between the Juwiring Painted Umbrella and those from other regions lies in the Bungkul (the wooden frame component) that connects to the support.

The function of the bungkul is to open the canopy. The uniqueness of the Juwiring Painted Umbrella also lies in its decorations and patterns. The Juwiring Painted Umbrella can be used as interior decor in rooms, restaurants, or hotels. This creative work can serve as a distinctive handicraft souvenir from Klaten.

The Juwiring Painted Umbrella can become an alternative tourist attraction for enthusiasts of traditional crafts.