The Head
The head requires much more work than any of the other sections. There are two principal rings to this section, as shown in [Fig. 1]. The inner ring is the more important, the outer one being added for the protection of the points when alighting. The construction of the framework is shown in [Fig. 2]. It is made entirely of bamboo. The bamboo is split into strips, about ³⁄₁₆ in. wide, for the ring A. As the bamboo strips will be much too thick, they must be pared down to less than ¹⁄₁₆ in. The diameter of the ring A is 12 in., and a strip of bamboo to make this ring should be about 38 in. long, so that there will be some end for making a lap joint. The ends of the strip are held securely together by winding them with linen thread. The Chinese boys use strips of rice paper, about ¹⁄₂ in. wide and torn lengthwise of the paper. The rice-paper strips are made wet with paste before winding them on the joint, and when they dry out the shrinkage will bind the ends securely.
Two crosspieces, of the same weight as the ring stick, are placed 3¹⁄₂ in. apart, at equal distances from the center and parallel, as shown at B and C. The ends of these pieces are turned at a sharp angle and lashed to the inside surface of the ring A. To make these bends, heat the bamboo over a candle flame until it will give under pressure, then bend and it will stay in shape after it becomes cold. This method of bending should be remembered, as it is useful in making all kinds of kites. Two small rings, each 3¹⁄₂ in. in diameter, are put in between the two parallel pieces, as shown at D and E. These are for the eyes of the dragon. The rings are lashed to the two crosspieces B and C. As the eyes revolve in the rings they should be made perfectly true. This can be done by shaping the bamboo about a perfectly round cylinder, 3¹⁄₂ in. in diameter. To stiffen the whole framework, two pieces of bamboo, ¹⁄₁₆ in. thick, ¹⁄₈ in. wide, and 20 in. long, are lashed to the back as shown by F and G. There is a space of 3 in. between the inner ring A and the outer ring H, giving the latter a diameter of 18 in. It is made of a bamboo strip, ¹⁄₈ in. wide, and should be less than ¹⁄₁₆ in. thick. It may be necessary to make this large ring from two pieces of bamboo, to get the length, and in such case be careful to make a perfect ring with the ends well lashed together. Two short pieces are lashed to the two rings, as shown at J and K. The supports for the horns consist of two pieces, ¹⁄₈ in. wide and less than ¹⁄₁₆ in. thick, and they are lashed to the upper crosspiece and to both rings, so that the parts L and M are exactly halfway between the ends of the pieces F and G and radiate out from the center of the ring A, the other parts, N and O, pointing to the center of the eye rings, respectively. The ears are unimportant and may be put on if desired. The rings on the horns and the stick ends may be from ¹⁄₂ to 2 in. in diameter, cut from stiff paper, but if larger, made of bamboo.
Fig. 1
The Kite-Head Section, Having Horns, Ears, and Revolving Eyes, Is Very Hideous
Fig. 2
The Framework for the Head Section is Made Entirely of Bamboo Strips Lashed at the Joints
Chinese rice paper is the best material for covering, and it should be stretched tightly so that there will be no buckling or bagging places. The only part covered is that inside of the inner ring A, the horns, and the ears, leaving the eye rings open. The shades are put on with a brush and water colors, leaving the face white, or it can be tinted in brilliant colors. Leave the horns white and color the tongue red.