| Chen Zhao Ji, master kite maker from Xian, China. His traditional kite making methods combine his family's tradition of exquisite painting and his mastery of bamboo work to create the most unique kites we have ever seen. When we traveled to China in 1994 we were privileged to view and actually purchase kites from Mr. Chen. He had with him a praying mantis and a crab, 2 of his mechanical kites, along with rigid-wing miniature kites. We proudly display one of this miniature treasures. Below are samples of the kites he brought to Madison. We got to see Mr. Chen flying his Mantis. Notice the look on his face--the joy of a kitemaker enjoying the fruits of his labor. |
. |
close-up of the back of the kite: the bamboo "bones" |
 crab |
turtle |
click to see more views of the Boy on a Crane |
 click to see 2 views of Mr. Chen's dragon |
click to see views of the Praying Mantis mechanical kite |
 bat |
