Jiumei Shen
ABSTRACT
The Nantong kite craft, which comprises of whistles and tractmented craftsmanship, qualifies the piece as an imperative part of China’s intangible cultural heritage. Nevertheless, subsequent swift urbanization, globalization processes, and shifts in the consumers’ demands have emerged as critical threats to its applicability. In this paper, based on the typical technique of Nantong kite and the cultural connotation of traditional kite, the author will investigate time-honored skills, innovative ideas, and multicultural backgrounds from the generations’ viewpoints. Based on a qualitative research design, including face-to-face interviews with master artisans, younger practitioners, and cultural actors, the never described theme of the kite’s symbolic motifs, the choice of materials and utilitarian aspects are revealed. Results stress a global understanding of the kite’s cultural roles and the readiness, of both the young and the old generation, to use any possible materials, modern designs, and technology improvements. Analysis of case studies and respondent feedback suggests that it is possible to maintain and enhance the tradition of Nantong kite while contributing creative ideas. The work thus offers a plan in tradition, innovation, and the involvement of the old and the young to guarantee the Nantong kite’s cultural continuation and to present it in modernity as a living cultural asset.
