Collection Name: Drachen Foundation Collection
Collection Number: 2198
Post Type: Book
This item was entered by Matthew Sutton. They assume full responsibility for all content.
Artist or Author: None named
Creation Year: 2004
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ISBN: 7-5085-0415-1 Language: Chinese/English Description: Kite is a unique flower in the garden of traditional Chinese culture. In the long process of development, it combines the folk fine arts, folk sports and folk arts of kite making. It comes from people and is deeply rooted in the people. The healthiness and simplicity it characterizes reflect the broad-mindedness and generosity and the spirit of progress of the Chinese nation.
Chinese kite can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. At that time, wars were frequent,so people invented "wooden hawks", which were linked by broad-leaved plants.This can be seen the embryo of the modern kite. With the invention of paper and development of silk production in China, most kites began to use bamboo as skeletons and then were pasted with paper or silk. Kite today is often seen as a way of entertainment, but in the past, it was often used in wars. People used it in military survey observation,communication and publicity, showing to the full their wisdom, By the Tang and Song dynasties,the kite got new functions, with daily perfecting craftsmanship and enriched meanings. As an interesting program for entertainment, it brought new contents and colors to people's lives.
As is well known, each nationality has its unique way of expressing feelings and artistic senses. Originating from people, Chinese kite usually features the daily life of them and therefore, gets a strong folk flavor. Flowers, birds insects, fish, beasts, and characters in fairy tales and legends can all be subjects of kites. The kites in various modeling and lifelike designs always carry people's deep feelings,their yearning for a fine life and their pursuit for future ideals. As the kites fly in the warm spring sum and steady wind, people will enjoy beauty to the full.
In making a kite, the modeling is very important. Craftsmen try to make it true to life not only in shape but also in spirit. A beautiful design, bright decoration, vivid colors and plastic effect are all highly desirable.
Geographic: Peoples Republic of China
Materials: Paper
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