Photo exploration of traditional Asian paper kites

1. Asian kites A pictorial journey

2. The making of kites is an Asian tradition that is many centuries old. The Chinese claim they invented the kite approximately 2,800 years ago . Clive Hart and Tal Streeter hold that kites made from large leaves existed far before that time in Indonesia. Kites are flown in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Tibet, China and Japan. Kites have been used for warfare, signalling, fishing and play, including kite fighting. Many designs are now traditional, and are works of art. Japanese ‘Semi’ or ‘cicada’ kite

3. Asian kites are traditionally made from paper and bamboo. The drawback is they are easily torn. Others are made from silk, and today from synthetic materials such as ripstop nylon.

5. Some require tails for balance, while others do not. Many Asian kites do not require a tail.

6. Designs and shapes are inspired by nature, people and family crests

8. This kite has a body which is rounded, and the wings can be folded up when not in use. Folding wing sections have bamboo struts that slot into place.

9. The paintwork is exquisite

13. Designs include huge lifelike Insects like this one

17. Some kites are made by master kite makers, and include features like revolving eyes or whistles and wind flutes

18. This circular Japanese kite , with open mouth like a Korean kite, is shaped like a cultural delicacy, Fugu or globefish. This kite originated in 1961 in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi prefecture.

19. The circular kite shape is used to great effect in dragon or caterpillar kites

20. Kite reels can be small

21. Or huge

22. Depending on the size of the kite

23. Some portray legendary heroes

25. Others a clan or family crest. Hatalike this are built In Nagasaki Prefecture, Kyushu This is a very agile kite capable of flying at amazing speeds. It is equipped with cutting devices such as porcelain, glued to the line below the bridle by means of egg white, rice or other natural adhesives, for use in kite fighting.

26. Kites are made from cheap local materials and are affordable. A child or a master craftsman can make one. They make for wonderful colourful community festivals

27. This enormous Japanese kite would need a team of handlers. Many regions hold kite festivals where local kites can be displayed . In Afhghanistan, kite flying is a popular game, and is known in as GudiparanBazi. Some kite fighters pass their strings through a mixture of ground glass powder and glue.

29. Windsock shaped kites are displayed on 5th May - Boys Day. In Japan, the carp which swims upstream against strong currents, is seen as a sign of manliness and strength. On Children's Day, the carp-shaped streamers called "Koinobori“ or "satsuki-nobori“ are flown in honor of the nation's sons in the hopes they will stay healthy, strong boys.

30. A kite is a child’s toy, a cultural icon, and a work of art

32. http://www.squidoo.com/kitesofasia

33. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kite

34. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rl7HSKVzP4

35. .http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~et3m-tkkw/