Applauded as one of the most representative symbols of Chinese culture, Chinese knots have commanded the love and fascination of Chinese art lovers for centuries. Simple as they are in their physical makeup - most designs are created out of only one thick thread, they are highly praised and admired for their creative, complex craftsmanship. Used extensively by ancient Chinese to decorate everything from household items to clothes, it gradually became a popular gift. In Beijing, there are many local shops that offer beautiful, unique Chinese knots.
Used mainly as an auspicious decorative object, Chinese knots are most commonly seen on the door of a house, the wall of a room, on clothing, and as decorations on gifts. They come in both large and small sizes, depending on the use, and there are a variety of classic designs that have developed over the years. Though sometimes thought of as an accessory that merely accompanies larger items, some knots never fail to stand out with their conspicuous beauty. Red is the most popular color used, because this color symbolizes fortune and happiness in Chinese culture.
It is generally believed Chinese people started making knots with different designs in prehistoric times. But Chinese knots as a decorative art didn't begin until the Tang and Song dynasties. Initially a folk art, these knots developed into a popular, serious art form in the Qing dynasty. During this period, it became a common practice for people to decorate almost everything with a Chinese knot.
This art was on the verge of completely disappearing in the early 20th century, when China was entering an era of modernization. Back then, people began to abandon many things from the past, including Chinese knots. Fortunately, this art was revived in the late 1970s by a Taiwanese artist named Lydia Chen, whose efforts helped usher in a revival.
The craftsmanship of Chinese knots can go from very simple to extremely complex. While some designs can be easily made by tying a thread around an existing model, some complex knots require great skills and a long time to finish. Most knots are symmetrical and look identical from the front and back.
There are 10 main types of Chinese knots made by modern artists:
1. Double Coin Knot
2. Chinese Button Knot
3. Oxalis Knot
4. Round Brocade Knot
5. Cross Knot
6. Good Luck Knot
7. Sauvastika Knot
8. Pan Chang Knot
9. Caisson Ceiling Knot
10. Ping Knot
A number of classic designs are commonly depicted. They include "Double Shou" (longevity), "Double Xi" (happiness), "Auspicious Dragon And Phoenix," "Fish Jumping Over The Dragon Gate," "Fu Xi Shuang Quan" (fortune and longevity), "Everything Goes Well," and "Extra Good Luck."
In China, a large variety of social concepts can be represented by Chinese knots - marriage, friendship, family unity, brotherhood, and the formation of special or secret community, because "knot" is pronounced like "connection" in Chinese.
When shopping in Beijing, go look for some exquisite, unique Chinese knots. Some special shops offer especially beautiful knots. To find these shops, it's best to go with a personal shopper.
Used mainly as an auspicious decorative object, Chinese knots are most commonly seen on the door of a house, the wall of a room, on clothing, and as decorations on gifts. They come in both large and small sizes, depending on the use, and there are a variety of classic designs that have developed over the years. Though sometimes thought of as an accessory that merely accompanies larger items, some knots never fail to stand out with their conspicuous beauty. Red is the most popular color used, because this color symbolizes fortune and happiness in Chinese culture.
It is generally believed Chinese people started making knots with different designs in prehistoric times. But Chinese knots as a decorative art didn't begin until the Tang and Song dynasties. Initially a folk art, these knots developed into a popular, serious art form in the Qing dynasty. During this period, it became a common practice for people to decorate almost everything with a Chinese knot.
This art was on the verge of completely disappearing in the early 20th century, when China was entering an era of modernization. Back then, people began to abandon many things from the past, including Chinese knots. Fortunately, this art was revived in the late 1970s by a Taiwanese artist named Lydia Chen, whose efforts helped usher in a revival.
The craftsmanship of Chinese knots can go from very simple to extremely complex. While some designs can be easily made by tying a thread around an existing model, some complex knots require great skills and a long time to finish. Most knots are symmetrical and look identical from the front and back.
There are 10 main types of Chinese knots made by modern artists:
1. Double Coin Knot
2. Chinese Button Knot
3. Oxalis Knot
4. Round Brocade Knot
5. Cross Knot
6. Good Luck Knot
7. Sauvastika Knot
8. Pan Chang Knot
9. Caisson Ceiling Knot
10. Ping Knot
A number of classic designs are commonly depicted. They include "Double Shou" (longevity), "Double Xi" (happiness), "Auspicious Dragon And Phoenix," "Fish Jumping Over The Dragon Gate," "Fu Xi Shuang Quan" (fortune and longevity), "Everything Goes Well," and "Extra Good Luck."
In China, a large variety of social concepts can be represented by Chinese knots - marriage, friendship, family unity, brotherhood, and the formation of special or secret community, because "knot" is pronounced like "connection" in Chinese.
When shopping in Beijing, go look for some exquisite, unique Chinese knots. Some special shops offer especially beautiful knots. To find these shops, it's best to go with a personal shopper.
About the Author:
Author A. Lao studies Chinese arts and crafts. He assists a Beijing personal shopper who brings visitors to great Chinese shops. Sometimes he plans Beijing tours.
No comments:
Post a Comment