Thanks to Andreas Agren and Li Ruo Xin, we had the fantastic opportunity of meeting two members of the Kong family, well-known kitefliers from Beijin. Li Ruo Xin holds a special and affectionate friendship with them: Kong Xiang Ze (father), Kong Ling Min (son) and Kong Bing Zhang (grandson), three generations of fine builders and artists.
We went to a small town, some 45 Km North-West Beijin; when we arrived, we found a small grove under which a row of posters illustrate visitors about traditional kites from Beijin. In front of the grove, there’s a building where the Kite Workshop School operates, supervised by Kong Ling Min.
Most people, when we speak about kites , see them as a childhood pastime or a mere hobby. It is hard to explain –without running the risk of looking ridiculous- the varied activities and satisfactions that they provide us. Moreover, when trying to explain that many models are real artworks. Well, when entering the workshop school, we immediately concluded that we were visiting an art gallery, where kites were exhibited. And even more juicy: where we could see the delicate building process.
We were received by Kong Ling Min, a man around 57 years old, in his role of teacher and manager in that place. With gentle hospitality, he guided us along the entrance hall where many models built by him and his father hang. Then, we were guided to his study, where he began to show us his works and his building technique - without showing any reserve.
The kites from the Kong family are characterized by:
- A delicate bamboo structure, worked out in detail and exhibiting an outstanding quality, where nothing is left aside: the rod fineness, the joints, the curvature, the material resistance.
- The kite sail is made with a first quality silk, profusely and exquisitely painted by hand, with a great variety of traditional and symbolic motives, under a wide range of colors.
- A graceful, precise and elegant flight.
The shapes:
The traditional swallows: the “fat” swallow, the “thin” swallow, the “small” swallow, and the pair of swallows, representing man, woman, children and marriages. They carry motifs painted on them, such as bats (joy), peaches (longevity), butterflies and flowers.
- Opera or literature characters, such as, Monkey King, the God of Longevity, heroes ascending to the sky, etc.
- Ideograms representing happiness, joy, longevity.
- Different animals, such as fish, dragons, eagles.
- And some newer ones, like vegetables, the spider on its web, and the peacock.
Once in his study-room, we exchanged presents and, afterwards, Claris showed his kites to him. To our surprise, he called all his pupils to appreciate the work; he congratulated him for his creations and made some suggestions for improving the beauty in the designs. We chatted, listened and paid attention to each one of his explanations. There’s no need to say that all of us, Andreas, Claris and me, were on the brink of ecstasy for having such opportunity for learning.
Then, we went around the workshop, where each one of his disciples showed their work to us; the quality of the bamboo making-up and work, the assembling, the painting were actually enviable. It followed a memory picture of the group, and Kong Ling Min, exhibiting again his simplicity and hospitality, drove us to his house, a short distance away from the school workshop.
In a more relaxed attitude, he would then let us see each one of his works, speaking about the flight characteristics, the drawing treatment, the design diversity. He showed us a plaque awarded to him by the Chinese Government as a heir of tradition; the tools that he uses for working, his furniture, the book published a couple of years ago… well, all his domestic setting he’s proud of.
The visit concluded sharing an amusing and cheerful lunch. Afterwards, Li Ruo Xin proposed us to visit Kong Xiang Ze, Kong Li Min’s father. With a previous phone call, we took a pair of urban buses to travel downtown Beijin, an ideal opportunity to keep enjoying the city diversity.
Kong Xiang Ze is a lovely 86-year-old man who, in some way, was the starter of the kite tradition in his family. A long and incredible life story, difficult to tell, but rich in anecdotes. He lives with his daughter’s family in a Hutong, a dwelling that surprised us for its simplicity and austerity. Kind, lucid, active, he looked all the time interested in our visit and Claris’ kites. And we had the privilege of learning what had inspired his designs, while leaving us astonished with the miniature kites built by him. Jewels!
The day ended with a dinner, happy with the experiences lived. We’re deeply grateful to Andreas and Li Ruo Xin for having arranged these meetings, and to Kong’s family for his hospitality and teaching.
Here it follows a photo gallery containing some 100 pictures, most of them kites. Be patient and enjoy them!
Gustavo
