The art of the Japanese kite

Summary: Japanophile alert!
Rating: 5

If you are a Japanophile or remotely interested in kites, then this book needs to be ordered!
I bought it for a relative as a gift and when I received it to wrap and send, I couldn't put it down and had to order my own copy. It is out of print but many copies are available used and in good condition.
Also of interest to anyone involved in handmade crafts and the Living National Treasures of Japan.


Summary: Artistic, historical & social appreciation of kites in Japan
Rating: 5

Tal Streeter based this book on extensive interviews in Japan, and time spent there making and flying kites. This is not a how-to book, but it does provide tremendous inspiration for kite makers and gives essential background information on materials and design. It is also a very entertaining read, with acute observations on Japanese history and culture. Tal Streeter's respect for traditional kite makers and their craft shines through this book. And although it has many serious points to make about the decay of tradition, it also captures and describes the joy and passion that the Japanese invest in kite flying - a joy very evidently shared by the author.

The photographs in this book are simply magnificent. For serious collectors of literature on kites, and of Japanese culture, this is a must have book.