Vintage Japanese Warrior Tako (Kite) Pair, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-745-1

Vintage Japanese Warrior Tako (Kite) Pair, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-745-1

A matched pair of large hand-painted Japanese kites depicting the Battle of Uji River and the legendary warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune -- vivid collector pieces from the Late Showa era.

A tako is a large traditional Japanese kite decorated with bold painted imagery, produced as both a flying object and a celebration of Japanese folk art. This pair showcases two distinct subjects rendered in the powerful, graphic style associated with vintage Japanese kite painting. The first kite depicts the Ujigawa Kassen -- the Battle of Uji River -- with multiple armored warriors locked in fierce combat against swirling blue waves, inscribed with a cartouche title and bearing what appears to be an artist seal in the lower corner. The second presents a commanding close-up portrait of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the celebrated Heian-period general, labeled in a bold cartouche and painted in a vivid palette of red, teal, cream, and purple. Both kites are executed with the confident, expressive brushwork of a skilled kite painter, and the imagery draws directly from the same ukiyo-e warrior print tradition that inspired generations of Japanese craft artists. Each kite retains its bamboo corner stakes and original string bridle, confirming these are complete, original examples of vintage Japanese kite craft rather than prints or reproductions.

In a modern home, these large-format kites make extraordinary statement pieces for living room wall art or a dedicated Japanese art display. Hung flat against a white or neutral wall, the bold warrior imagery reads like an oversized ukiyo-e print, suiting a Japandi-style interior or a space with strong graphic art sensibility. They would work equally well framed behind acrylic for a hallway gallery or displayed leaning against a studio or loft wall as part of a curated Japanese folk art collection. As a unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage pieces, samurai art enthusiasts, or Japanophiles, this matched pair -- sharing the same battle narrative across two kites -- offers a rare opportunity to acquire a cohesive vintage Japanese craft set with genuine visual drama.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Washi paper (Japanese handmade paper) over bamboo frame; mineral and pigment-based paint; string bridle
• Use: Traditional Japanese decorative kite (Tako); originally made as a large painted kite for display and flying
• Modern Use: Living room wall art; Japanese folk art gallery display; unique gift for samurai art and Japanese vintage collectors
• Features: Two large rectangular kites sold as a pair; Kite 1 depicts the Ujigawa Kassen (Battle of Uji River) with multiple armored warriors and swirling wave background, title cartouche, and artist seal; Kite 2 depicts Minamoto no Yoshitsune in close-up portrait with title cartouche, bold graphic linework in red, teal, cream, and purple; both retain bamboo corner stakes and original string bridles; vivid hand-applied pigments throughout
• Dimensions: 23"W x 35"D
• Condition: Good vintage condition consistent with age; some surface wear and minor scuffs visible; colors remain vivid; structure intact

A rare matched pair of vintage Japanese warrior kites -- where the ukiyo-e tradition meets folk craft, bringing samurai drama and handmade artistry to any modern wall.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.