Lhasa Kites

Lhasa Kites

Lhasa kites are recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

　　Lhasa kites are popular in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Tsetang in Tibet, and have also spread to neighboring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan. They were especially favored among the Tibetan upper class during the Qing Dynasty. The 13th Dalai Lama had a particular fondness for kites and even granted an official seal to "Shang Zai," specialists who supplied kites and processed kite strings.

　　In August, the Ü-Tsang region has strong winds, making it the kite-flying season. It is believed that flying kites too early will cause autumn to end prematurely. There are many rules for flying kites in Lhasa. Timing-wise, kites are flown after the Shoton Festival in Lhasa, while in Shigatse, a lay official from the eastern Zong must fly the first kite. The shape and use of kites are also regulated by age—for example, six-axis, eight-axis, and ten-axis kites must be chosen according to the flyer’s age. Tibetan kites tend to have a relatively simple form, mostly diamond-shaped, but they feature elaborate painted designs. There are six common patterns: "Jiawo" (big beard), "Guma or Gu’na" (nail head or black head), "Milo" (bulging eyes), "Qiwuo" (grinning teeth), "Bangdian" (apron), and "Galin" (leg bone trumpet). Their bright colors make the sky burst with vibrant hues when flown. Normally, these kites are hung on walls and regarded as sacred objects that bring good fortune.

　　The skill in flying Lhasa kites lies in the aerial play and battles. Subtle adjustments in letting out or reeling in the line can make the kite rapidly ascend, descend, spin, or roll from side to side. The most distinctive feature is “kite fighting,” where the one whose string breaks and drifts away loses. Various fighting techniques ultimately focus on “line tangling,” so the quality of the string is crucial. Therefore, one special step in making the kite involves applying “Na.” The main component of “Na” is ground glass powder, mixed with a sticky plant called “Wangla,” along with crushed rice, sugar, and water, then stirred and boiled. Once cooled to a certain temperature, the “Na” is held in the palm, and the kite string is threaded through the fingers so that it is coated with unevenly sized “Na” granules, creating a saw-like texture. The making of Lhasa kites is seasonal. Each autumn, people in cities like Lhasa and Shigatse specialize in making and selling kites. Families with renowned kite-making skills, such as the Ladakachi in Shigatse and the Tsering family in Lhasa, are known for their distinctive craftsmanship and significant influence. However, with the passing or aging of several master kite makers, the craft is now at risk of being lost.