A Wheel of Paper Ribs

I waddled out into the crisp morning air and trotted over to the open veranda of a traditional wagasa umbrella workshop. Resting sideways across a low cedar slatted rack was a half-opened bamboo umbrella frame, its slender lacquered struts spread wide like a giant wooden wheel! You know I can never resist an intriguing slope. I planted my round little feet, gave a brave hop, and wedged my plump tummy right between two curved ribs. The light bamboo frame gently rocked with a soft, singing creak! My weight tipped a small folded paper collar loose, sending it sliding down the smooth lacquered rib until it caught snugly against my fluffy white pom-pom like a tiny paper flower.