Knottingpedia - Chinese knotting [1]

• Chinese knotting is an old and traditional art form developed in the Tang (618 – 907 BC) and Song (960-1279 AD) dynasties.
• Many Chinese knots are identical both sides. They are decorative and functional, able to hold things securely.
• Knots were a form of communication and a means to express good wishes and blessings.
• This ancient art was on the verge of being lost due to the effects of industrialization and the Cultural Revolution. The how-tos were passed down from one generation to the next through word of mouth.
• A series of articles on Chinese knots was published in a Taiwanese magazine after its publishers sought out the few remaining elderly women knotters in Taiwan. That was in 1976.
• It is believed that the Japanese (hanamusubi) and Korean (maedup) knotting originated from China.

[Source: ‘The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting‘ by Lydia Chen]

Some basic Chinese knots

-:- Clover leaf -:-

Front view

Back view

-:- Cross -:-

Front view

Back view (aka square knot)

-:- Creeper -:-

Front view

Back view

-:- Tassel -:-

Front view

Back view

-:- Double connection -:-

Front view

Back view

-:- Round brocade -:-

Front view

Back view

[Update I’ve included a link to the book and if you like to know the books that inspire me to knot, do join me next week for a complete list.]

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9 Comments »

1. From jessica
   May 15, 2008 @ 1:01 am

   I’ve always been fascinated with Chinese knots, thanks for sharing this.

   At jessica’s blog: Girly Gift Wrap

2. From M.Kate
   May 15, 2008 @ 2:50 am

   woo..getting busy arent you

   I love the last one, the flower brocade and look forward to more. Sounds real fun to me, I wonder if I take it up and gets all knotted up, maybe will give up halfway lah. Not a very patient person - me.

   However, these are fabulous, always reminds me of those feng shui stuff with lots of red knots everywhere
   At M.Kate’s blog: TONLE SAP LAKE -and Bloggers Unite for Human Rights

3. From claire
   May 15, 2008 @ 10:22 am

   I love these! really beautiful. I used to do a lot of macrame, so I adore string and knots. You list your source as the book of Chinese Knitting, but I couldn’t find such a book. Could it be Chinese Knotting instead?

   At claire’s blog: Knock your eyes out

4. From Liz
   May 15, 2008 @ 11:54 am

   Stunning. Just stunning!

   At Liz’s blog: Senior Trip - Day Three

5. From Ginger
   May 15, 2008 @ 2:22 pm

   Could you do a how to on a few of those? I especially like the green leaf like one in the last photo. Great photography by the way!

   At Ginger’s blog: Blogs and flowers

6. From Colleen
   May 17, 2008 @ 12:51 pm

   Beautiful work, Clara!

   At Colleen’s blog: slipping away

7. From Laney
   May 20, 2008 @ 12:23 am

   wow Clara, how nice to get a little history behind your flowers. they are even more beautiful now.

   At Laney’s blog: Native Americans

8. From kara
   June 4, 2008 @ 10:24 am

   I was happy to see this post on your lovely chinese knots. I tie chinese knots as well and I wish more people discovered this wonderful craft.

   Kara

9. Pingback From Knottingpedia - Chinese knotting [2]
   June 24, 2008 @ 2:13 am

   […] Knottingpedia - Chinese knotting [2] June 24, 2008 […]

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