 Kotsumaika
kites are said to have been initially made at the end of the shogunate
and later produced for export purposes in the Meiji and Taisho periods.
There were many kinds of Kotsumaika; however, the operation was scrapped
in the Taisho period, and there are no remaining examples of the old kites
complete with skeleton. The kites are very unique, with a distinctive
pattern in the middle, and are constructed in a manner that allows them
to catch wind from both sides. They also feature attachments known as
sleeves or packing, which flow and flutter in the breeze. A number of
examples of the varied designs and colors of the kites are stored in the
tower of Osaka Castle. |
Kotsumaika Kites
Osaka
City