Liu Bin is the only craftsman in Beijing to build and sell imperial-styled kites. A trade kept in the family for three generations before being entrusted to him.  

"My grandfather wished that I would carry on the craft." Liu Bin is his family's fourth generation of kite flyers.

Just like his father, his grandfather, and, allegedly, his great-grandfather, although there is no written proof of this. This 30 year old, originally from Beijing, is the last of his family and the only one in the capital to assemble and sell his own kites.

In his shop, "Three Stones Kite", located in Di'anmen not too far from the Lake District, Liu Bin has been perpetuating this imperial art for over 10 years. This refined craft was instilled by his 93 year old grandfather, who taught him how to combine quality materials with elegance and sophistication.

For the frame of the kite, Liu Bin first dries bamboo in the shade for three years. Over 40 centimeters long and 13 wide, the stems are also over a centimeter thick. Then, depending on the models, the bamboo is cut into rods of various thicknesses before being shaped with a flame into their desired form.

Liu Bin then moves onto bonding the sails, again, relying on the highest standard of materials.  "The people's kites are made from oiled paper, the same used to make windows draft-proof", says Liu Bin. Although "our sails are made from fabric," he adds, only the best silk is used.

Improving already striking colors

"There are several types of silkworms. Shandong (northeastern China) silkworms are wild but produce poor quality thread, "he says. "We prefer Fujian silkworms (southeastern China). The thread is more delicate," he adds.

Silk quality not only changes according to geography, but also according to season: "We prefer spring silkworms. The silk produced is clearer and of better quality," he promises.

The cut silk is then entirely hand-painted with Liu Bin's chosen hues mirroring the décor of the Forbidden City. Although the colors don't change, the paint used over the years has, as Liu Bin improves an age-old craft. "I studied Chinese painting at the Xu Beihong (editor's note: the famous Chinese painter known for his calligraphy horses) school for four years. It is the only link that tied me to the craft of kite building, "he confides in us. "Thanks to my knowledge, I obtained more beautiful and resistant colors, much more so than those of my grandfather," he smiles, all the while refusing to reveal any of his secrets.

It usually takes 3 days to construct a 4 or 5 centimeter model including the laying of the reel - the most expensive are in wood and red copper - and the thread, in nylon or silk. The larger models can go up to 4 to 5 meters and take a month to complete.