footman-shaped kite
A traditional Japanese kite shaped like a yakko (Edo-period footman). Often painted with a footman figure.
The children were flying footman-shaped kites during the New Year holidays.
Standard kanji spelling for this traditional kite.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling, common in everyday writing.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling, also seen.
From 奴 (yakko, 'Edo-period footman') + 凧 (tako, 'kite'). The kite's shape resembles a stylized footman figure.