Chinese Knots

Traditional Chinese decorative knots, also known as Chinese knots, are typical local arts of China. They are a distinctive and traditional Chinese folk handicraft woven separately from one piece of thread and named according to its shape and meaning. 

In Chinese, "knot" means reunion, friendliness, peace, warmth, marriage, love, etc. Chinese knots are often used to express good wishes, including happiness, prosperity, love and the absence of evil.(A tour to China to see Chinese knots)

History

The Chinese knot first originated when our ancestors used rope knots in recording things in ancient China. According to records in the "Book of Changes", "Chinese ancestors governed through tying rope knots in official documentation. Later generations changed rope knot practice to book bibliographies." The people of the Zhou Dynasty often carry jade items decorated with rope-knot patterns. Down to the Warring States period, bronze wares popular at the time also carried similar rope-knot patterns as decoration. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese knots really became a popular folk art. Such hand-woven knots came to be known as Chinese knots for their exquisite symmetry that quite well demonstrate traditional Chinese aesthetics. 

Types of Chinese Knots

The Chinese Knots are named according to their different shapes, usages and origins. The treasure knot, for example, is with the appearance of ‘Yuanbao', the Chinese ancient golden ingot. And the button knot, which has the function as the button.

Each type of Chinese Knot usually has a beautiful and auspicious name. The material of the thread can be the cotton, nylon and so on, and many of them are red. The exquisitely symmetrical knots that come in so many forms are the valuable cultural heritage of China.

In the ancient time, the knots are pulled tightly and sturdily together that can be used for binding or wrapping, which making them very practical. In addition, it is endowed with high decorative value by its complicated structure. Almost all basic Chinese knots are symmetrical, which has set certain technical limitations on the design and creation of new patterns. Traditionally, symmetry pattern suites the aesthetic standards of the Chinese people well. Moreover, the symmetrical designs are the most popular among Chinese people visually.

Making processes

Making the Chinese knot involves three processes, naming tying knots, tightening and adding the finishing touches.

Knot- tying methods are fixed, but the tightening can determine the degree of tension in a knot, the length of loops (ears) and the smoothness and orderliness of the lines. Thus, how well a Chinese knot has been tightened can demonstrate the skill and artistic merit of a knot artist. Finishing a knot means inlaying pearls or jade stones, starching the knot into certain patterns, or adding any other final touches. Besides the Two-coin Knot, the Chinese knot is three dimensional in structure. It consists of two planes tied together leaving a hollow center. Such structure lends rigidity to the work as a whole and keeps its shape when hung on the wall. The hollow center also allows for the addition of precious stones, such as the jade.

Chinese knot, with its classic elegance and ever- changing patterns, is both practical and ornamental, fully reflecting the grace of Chinese culture.

Why not book a China tour package to experience the real China and buy some Chinese knot which will bring you happiness!

This article is from http://www.chinatourcenter.com/