The Splendor of Chinese Kites

摘要

THERE'S A GENTLE IRONY about some of the oldest human-made flying objects in the National Air and Space Museum's collection—they probably never flew and certainly never will. They're Chinese kites that were displayed at the great 1876 Philadelphia exposition, which celebrated the nation's first 100 years. Thirty-seven countries participated. China sent a grand pavilion to show itself off, and the kites were one of the attractions. "The kites were created for the exhibition. China had a huge space and they were representing the entire country," says paper conservator Amanda Malkin, to whom the kites owe their future. "They sent the best things they had".