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Type 2.4 Meiji

Slightly different shape of a kite body in comparison with the previous type.

Type 2.3 Meiji

Another shape of a kite body.

Type 2.2 Meiji

Slightly different shape of a kite body on comparison with the previous type.

Type 2.1 Meiji

Different shape of a kite body.

Type 1.3 Meiji

Same as at the previous type except little differences in the body of a kite and in bottom part of his wings.

Type 1.2 Meiji

Thinner kite and other execution of the bottom part of wings.

This base type has two very similar sub variations (1.2 and 1.3).

Type 1.1. is very unified type. Here comes a pair of twins – two type 1.1 perfect substitutes of each other.

Type 1.1 Meiji

Classical wings of Meiji epoch. Classical characteristics of old Meiji badge (this characteristics will be discussed by us a little later).

And here we got a typical type 7 reverse with letter M on tail.

For types 5-7.

For types 1-4.

Short note about reverses

All types have identical polished reverses. For this reason reverses will be ignored in our further discussion. It is only necessary to notice that on some copies of type 7 there is a stamp mark in the form of latin letter M which usually can be found on the centre of the "tail". This is Osaka Mint mark. Also it will be interesting to note that on "tails" of type 1 and 2 we usually meet two deep thin sawcuts which repeat the bottom part of a pole (sawcuts on the majority of signs are made inaccurately and often have different length). At types 3 and 4 such sawcuts are almost imperceptible (or are only slightly indicated). Types 5 and type 6 have wide sawcuts of the correct geometrical form of a square or a rectangle. Type 7 has sawcuts of the form of a square. This nuance can be studied on the following two compilations of most common variants. Compilations also show us potential instability of this feature.

Altogether we have 7 basic types with 10 sub variations. 17 different kites on 17 different badges. Let’s take a close look at them. But before that a little note about reverses.

Sub variations of types 3, 5 and 6.

Sub variations of types 1 and 2.

There are 7 basic types. Every basic type (except type 4 and type 7) has sub variations. Here they are.

Here it is.

As usual there are three columns. Left – a photo of a Kite. Central – my attribution of the piece to specific time period (Meiji–Taisho–Showa). Right – number under which the given type of a kite will be mentioned in the further discussion.

Here we go again.

Again?

Yes, again!

This time we will hit lower classes.

What for? Something wrong with the old classification for 6 and 7 class?

No. Everything fine with it.

So why we need a new one?

This classification will be just more in-depth, made for “mad about”, “can’t live without” golden kites aficionados.

Very elegantly!!!

Thanks Windu!

One more comparison - this time with direct predecessor of the 2003 type.

Excellent photo! Thanks for supporting the topic kapten windu!

P.S. Heard you have an anniversary with GMIC. Congratulations! ;)

That’s all I can say about modern rising suns lads!

Cheers! :cheers:

The penultimate photo gives us a good opportunity to see how the star changed. More precisely star overlay. That’s the picture from Osaka mint, pictures of admiral star and old star. Take a good look! I’ve got a feeling that some changes occurred with the form of overlay rays. But maybe it’s just my paranoia :anmatcat: