Kite -- A Colorful Illustrated Book of Chinese Folk Culture

Author: Zhu Ying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: In the eyes of most people, kites are toys because they bring endless joy to life. To artists, kites are works of art. To aeronautical engineers, they are the ancestors of modern aircraft, as their creation marked a leap in humanity's understanding of nature. As early as two thousand years ago, kites demonstrated one of the ways humans could achieve flight in their fixed-wing form. It is heartening that the development of modern technology has not diminished the significance of kites as toys or works of art. The emergence of kites has added new charm to life, and their invention has inspired people with wisdom. For thousands of years, despite their varying forms and names, kites have maintained a close connection with Chinese folk culture. With economic development and cultural progress, our ancestors began to paint colorful designs on rough clay pots and carve patterns onto simple weapons. With the invention of paper and advancements in craftsmanship, this decorative art underwent the baptism of civilization and history, becoming increasingly perfect and rich.
Because it originated from the folk, it possesses the qualities of simplicity, health, and education through entertainment. Because it reflects people's customs, traditions, and psychology, it is rich in local characteristics and the spirit of life. Therefore, kites have become an indispensable part of people's material and spiritual lives, spreading widely and enduring for a long time in folk culture. Under the relentless pursuit of a unique national aesthetic and customs, like other cultural phenomena, kites are also influenced by regional culture in terms of aesthetic style. Different regions have their own distinctive kite styles, which is why the "Kite Kingdom" presents a vibrant and diverse scene. Among them, through the symbolism of certain natural objects, homophones, or added textual descriptions, people's good wishes and beautiful ideals are expressed.
For years, kites have been companions during outings, gifts among friends, decorations in halls, and delicate flowers in art gardens, serving as a colorful of the soul. At this moment, kites possess a unique charm, occupying an unshakable and pure place in people's hearts. This book uses a wealth of historical facts and examples to meticulously depict a colorful world of kites, from their origins to their craftsmanship, from ancient forms to modern evolution. At the same time, it introduces the behind-the-scenes stories and legends of kites in dedicated chapters to satisfy readers' desire for truth.