Chinese Knot
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Chinese Knot
Traditional Chinese Knots (Chinese: 中国结) is a decorative handicraft arts that began as a form of Chinese folk art in the Tang and Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) in China. It was later popularized in the Ming and Qing Dynasty (1368-1911 AD). The art is also referred to as Chinese traditional decorative knots. In other cultures, it is known as "Decorative knots". Knot, in Chinese 'Jie' means vigor, harmony, and unification, Therefore, this unique Chinese knots artwork has been a popular gift for thousands of years and embodies best wishes. People wore it in the beginning as a decorative addition to clothing (usually with the jade wearing), and later, used it to decorate their houses. Though the weaving techniques are complicated, ropes, in hands of a deft craftsman appear effortless moving the shuttle in between the rows of ropes. A Chinese knot is usually symmetrical in structure and colorful with jade or porvelain beads. This no doubt adds more jubilation to any festive atmosphere. The characteristic of Chinese knot is that it is purely hand-made, made of a single rope and named by its specific form and meaning. By combining different knots or other auspicious adorments skillfully, a unique auspicious ornament which represents beauty, wisdom and wishes is formed. For example, "Full of joy", "Happiness & Longevity", "Double Happiness", "Luck and Auspiciousness as one wishes" are Chinese traditional pleasant phrases expressing warmest regards, best wishes and finest ideal. In Chinese language, "knot" has the meanings of reunion, friendliness, warm, marriage, love etc. In addition, "knot" and luck, felicity" have the same meaning, so Chinese knots are often used to express some good wishes including happiness, prosperity, love and no evils. To fit in with the needs of morden life, Chinese knot has various products. The two main series are auspicious hanging and knitting clothing adorment. Auspicious hanging include large taperstry, big room hanging, automobile hanging etc. Knitting clothing adornment includes ring, eardrop, hand chain, necklace and other woman's special adorments. HistoryArchaeological studies indicate that the art of tying knots dates back to prehistoric times. Recent discoveries include 100,000-year old bone needles used for sewing and bodkins, which were used to untie knots. However, due to the delicate nature of the medium, few examples of prehistoric Chinese knotting exist today. Some of the earliest evidence of knotting have been preserved on bronze vessels of the Warring States period (481–221 BCE), Buddhist carvings of the Northern Dynasties period (317–581) and on silk paintings during the Western Han period (206 BCE–CE6). Further references to knotting have also been found in literature, poetry and the private letters of some of the most infamous rulers of China. In the 1700s, one book that talked extensively about the art was Dream of the Red Chamber. The phenomenon of knot tying continued to steadily evolve over the course of thousands of years with the development of more sophisticated techniques and increasingly intricate woven patterns. During the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) knotting finally broke from its pure folklore status, becoming an acceptable art form in Chinese society and reached the pinnacle of its success. Knotting continued to flourish up until about the end of imperial China. The art of Chinese knotting was almost lost during the wars (1911 - 1950) and actually refreshed to thriving until 1980s.
Chinese Knots Back in Chic
It took three evenings for 21-year-old college student Chen Xing to make a delicate red Chinese Knot (zhongguojie) as a special gift for her mother's 50th birthday, which fell during Spring Festival. Incorporating a pretty circle, a figure of the Chinese word "shou" (longevity) in the middle and a long tassel below the circle, the beautiful hand-tied knot is "the best gift I ever got," said chen's mother, Wang Haijing. Wang, a Chinese Knot lover, hangs a new one in her house every Spring Festival. "It's an auspicious symbol for a new year," Wang explained. A traditional craft dating back at least 1,000 years, the Chinese Knot has regained wide popularity in urban areas in recent years. Like Christmas trees and wreaths in the West, the Chinese Knot is the most favored ornament for most Chinese families during the Lunar New Year celebration. Almost every shopping mall in Beijing has a special counter to sell Chinese Knots of various sizes, shapes and colors. The two largest Chinese Knots for 2004 are on display at the Zhejiang Exhibition Hall in Hangzhou, in East China's Zhejiang Province. It took about 30 craft people from across the country a full month to complete the knots. Each has a radius of 18 meters and weighs 630 kilograms. No matter how different the knots are, the messages the ancient craft delivers are similar, offering blessings of happiness, prosperity, love and good luck. Long history The long history of the Chinese Knot dates back to ancient times when no characters existed, said Xiong Dadi, a noted designer of the Chinese Knot. According to Xiong, people first used knots for fastening, wrapping, hunting and fishing. The knot was developed into an art form during the Tang (AD 618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties and fully flourished in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. The precious folk art experienced a decline in the last century, but since the late 1990s, along with embroidery and tangzhuang (traditional Chinese dress), the Chinese Knot has made a strong comeback, Xiong said. Now recognized as more than a fashionable ornament for festivals, the art element of the Chinese Knot has been widely used in necklaces, bracelets, hair ornaments, classic coat buttons and even hangings for cars or mobile phones, added Xiong. Diverse choices The major characteristic of the Chinese Knot is that every one is tied from a single thread (at least one-meter long) but looks the same from both the front and back, Xiong said. A typical Chinese Knot is red, but it can also be gold, green, blue or black, she added. Flower, bird, dragon, phoenix, fish and shoes are the most common patterns used in the Chinese Knot. "The most welcomed patterns are those in fish and shoes," said a seller in Cuiwei Plaza in downtown Beijing. "Fish demonstrates good luck in fortune and the knot made in a shoe figure is a wish to exorcise evil spirits." The seller, who declined to give her name, said she sold at least 200 Chinese Knots per day during the week before Spring Festival. People are drawn to traditional Chinese Knots for different reasons, explained Xiong. "The Chinese word jie (knot) is similar to ji (auspicious), the latter bears numerous positive meanings, such as blessing, longevity, fortune, good health and safety."
The ancient art of Chinese knots
If you’ve been to China or even just a Chinese restaurant you have probably seen colorful decorative elements made up of eloquent knots. These knots represent a decorative handicraft art that dates back to ancient China. Chinese knots show a particular aspect of the wisdom, temperament and interest of ancient Chinese people. During ancient times Chinese knots were only used by aristocrats and other wealthy people. These knots didn’t reach the common people until the Qing Dynasty. Since then Chinese knots have been used as interior decorations, gifts and ornaments. They represent the long history of China, and fit Chinese ancient customs and aesthetic ideals.Knots with a meaning With elegant shapes and different colors Chinese knots easily attract the attention of passers. Named after their shapes and colors each style knot expresses a different meaning. Examples of these meanings include: “wishing you well and long-life,” ”everything goes well,” ”eternal happiness,” ”wishing you a safe journey” and so on. The miraculous part of these knots and what makes them so unique is that they are woven from a single thread. Observers of these knots always wonder how it is possible that such a complex knot could be made from a single rope. An evolving tradition As time has progressed Chinese knots have emerged as an indispensable part of life. “With elegant shapes and different colors Chinese knots easily attract the attention of passers-by. Symbolic of both ancient and modern life two distinct styles of knots have emerged: hanging decorations and clothing ornaments. During ancient times, people often used Chinese knots to decorate their rooms. Sometimes, Chinese knots were used to decorate celebrations. During the Zhou Dynasty people used Chinese knots as a kind of official ribbon and historically lovers have often applied Chinese knots as tokens of love, because “Jie” symbolized their sincere hope of being tied in wedlock. In modern life, people usually hang Chinese knots in their cars and rooms. They also affix Chinese knots on their clothes as ornaments. A famous actress once wore Chinese knot earrings in a fashion show and since then Chinese knot earrings have again become popular. For long marriage, health and safety In many traditional ceremonies, Chinese knots play an important role. In bridal chambers, people will hang a “Tongxin knot” which means the bride and groom will be together forever. On New Year’s Eve old people often give Chinese knots to children in hope that their children will live more than 100 years. During the Dragon Boat festival people tie knots on children’s wrists, praying that their children will not contract any diseases and will remain healthy. Although they look complicated, there are easy Chinese knots that ordinary people can weave. Usually, people choose soft, red threads for Chinese knots because if the thread is too hard or too soft it will prove difficult to work with. The “Double coins” knot is an easily-woven knot and instructions can be easily found online. These knots can be made at home and make great gifts.
Knowledge Graph
Examples
1 Chinese knot is a decorative handicraft art that began as a form of Chinese folk art in the Tang and Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) in China.
2 Chinese knots are usually lanyard type arrangements where two cords enter from the top of the knot and two cords leave from the bottom.
3 Chinese knots are usually double-layered and symmetrical.