In the last Pete’s Kite Shop blog, you learned about how Japanese Edo Kites have represented Japanese history in a “floating world.” Here, you can take your education further and read up on how Japanese Edo Kites are created!

A Little “Kite” History

A Japanese dictionary dated 981 A.D.  was the first to record the Japanese word for “kite.” In the dictionary, the characters “kami” and “Tobi” were used: Meaning “Paper Hawk.” This suggests that the first kites were bird shaped. Absorbing most of the Chinese culture, the Japanese developed their own distinct kite designs and traditions. In older Japanese traditions, kites were also used to lift heavy items to high areas of construction for buildings and temples.

The Edo Kite Comes to Life

Handcrafting a Japanese Edo Kite is a delicate process that requires a Master Kite Maker to utilize a great deal of care. First, handmade Edo kites are created with a meticulously designed framework. Every detail must be taken into account as the structure of the kite begins to come to life. Next, the kite is hand painted to show the artist’s tribute to their theme.

Japanese Edo kites are painted with a style reminiscent of Japanese calligraphy, utilizing ink in thick and thin patterns. The patterns depict symbols, characters and ukiyo-e prints. A ukiyo-e print is an image of artistic themes, scenes, symbols of luck, historic stories, tales, etc.

Pete: Edo Kite Maker

A flat, bowed, bamboo frame covered in mulberry paper make up the components of the Edo Kites offered by Petes Kite Shop. These kites represent the traditional style of Japanese Edo kites: True to the originals as expected!

Shop at Pete’s Kite Shop today to get your “one-of-a-kind” Japaense Edo kite today!