Knottingpedia – Chinese knotting [1]
[Chapter: Bloom knots]- 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]
Here are 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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From jessica
I’ve always been fascinated with Chinese knots, thanks for sharing this.
At jessica’s blog: Girly Gift Wrap
2008.05.15 @ 1:01 am
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From M.Kate
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
2008.05.15 @ 2:50 am
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From claire
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
2008.05.15 @ 10:22 am
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From Liz
Stunning. Just stunning!
At Liz’s blog: Senior Trip – Day Three
2008.05.15 @ 11:54 am
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From Ginger
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
2008.05.15 @ 2:22 pm
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From Colleen
Beautiful work, Clara!
At Colleen’s blog: slipping away
2008.05.17 @ 12:51 pm
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From Laney
wow Clara, how nice to get a little history behind your flowers. they are even more beautiful now.
At Laney’s blog: Native Americans
2008.05.20 @ 12:23 am
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From kara
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
2008.06.04 @ 10:24 am
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2008.06.24 @ 2:13 am
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Pingback From Blooming packaging
[...] made a few knotted brocade brooches which were sold to benefit Project Sunshine as [...]
2009.12.21 @ 1:57 pm
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From Pete
I’ve got a leather chinese knot that I round the neck – it’s got quite a heavy bone carving attached. Over time, the knots have become loose – sliding too easily. Is there any way I can tighten the knots or prevent them from sliding so easily? Any help greatly appreciated.
thanks2010.06.26 @ 3:39 am
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