Japanese Slant on Kites

hi again folks,

as promised yesterday more on the Japanese Edo kite.

as you can see they are beautiful, some are appliqued, some painted and cover a large area.

This is the size with this one about to be launched as you can see they are quite big. Although most have a Japanese theme other designs are made

This one is flown by a Dutch couple as the scene shows. The many lines help hold the kite steady in the air which go to the ground to aid control.

Another Appliqued one.

 And another

Last but by no means least, one with a poem about a child of Hiroshima written on the kite above, it is very sad, only read below if you feel you can.

I come and stand at every door

But none can hear my silent tread

I knock and yet remain unseen

For I am dead for I am dead

I'm only seven though I die

In Hiroshima long ago

I'm seven now as I was then

When children die they do not grow

My hair was scorched by swirling flame

My eyes grew dim my eyes grew blind

Death came and turns my bones to dust

And that was scattered by the wind

I need no fruit I need no rice

I need no sweets or even bread

I ask for nothing for myself

For I am dead for I am dead

All that I need is that for peace

You fight today you fight today

So that the children of this world

Can live and grow and laugh and play

Well that bought a tear to my eyes at I typed this, sorry to end this blog on a somber note.

The last one was painted.

Thanks for looking, some brighter kites to finish on tomorrow, promise.

Nite nite, luv Mike XX