The Noguchi Museum Honors the Kite Art of Magoji Tekeuchi

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The work of Kite House Magoji, a third-generation kite maker from Tobata, Kitakyushu, Japan, was showcased in a special installation at The Noguchi Museum Shop from August 2–6, 2023. Kite flying had a rich history in the windy coastal Tobata region of Kitakyushu City. The House was established by kite maker Magoji Takeuchi during the Meiji era. In present times, his grandson Yoshihiro Takeuchi and great-granddaughter Azusa Tatsuishi continued the family legacy.

The original and distinctive design of the family’s work centered around the form of the cicada. Over time, their creations expanded to encompass other creatures and figures from folklore. Every kite was meticulously crafted and painted by hand. The materials utilized were carefully selected to ensure safety for children (using food coloring paint) and sustainability (employing locally made washi paper and bamboo sourced from the area). This ensured that if the kites were to take flight and become part of nature again, they would pose no harm.

The Noguchi Shop is currently offering a variety of kites in different sizes and styles for purchase in-store.

The Noguchi Museum
9-01 33rd Rd,
Queens, NY 11106