Chóu sǎn (silk umbrella) is a traditional Chinese umbrella made from silk fabric stretched over a bamboo or wooden frame. The character 绸 (chóu) means 'silk'—a fine, smooth textile historically associated with luxury and craftsmanship in China—while 伞 (sǎn) means 'umbrella' or 'parasol'. Together, they denote a decorative, often handcrafted umbrella valued for its elegance and cultural resonance rather than purely functional rain protection.

Historically, silk umbrellas were used by scholars, performers, and nobility, especially in classical opera, folk dance, and garden scenes. Though rarely used for weather today due to silk’s fragility when wet, chóu sǎn remains iconic in visual arts, festivals, and ceremonial settings. It evokes nostalgia, refinement, and traditional aesthetics—frequently appearing in paintings, photography, and costume design as a symbol of grace and cultural heritage.