Chinese Knotting
The Chinese Knotting is a type of national handicrafts with long history and profound cultural connotations. It appeared in ancient times, developed in the Tang and Song dynasties (618 – 1279) and was popularized in Ming and Qing dynasty (1368 – 1911). The Chinese knot has now become a kind of elegant and colorful craft, removed from its original practical use.
In 1980, some dedicated connoisseurs collected and arranged the decorative yet practical knots that have been passed down through the centuries in China. After studying the structures of these knots, the devotees set about creating new variations and increasing the decorative value of the knots. These exquisitely symmetrical knots which come in so many forms are as profound as great cultural heritage of the Chinese people.
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 adornments 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 modern life, Chinese Knot has various products. The two main series are auspicious hanging and knitting, clothing, adornment. Auspicious hanging includes large tapestry, big room hanging, automobile hanging etc. Knitting clothing adornment includes ring, eardrop, hand chain, necklace and other woman’s special adornments.
Today, people are fond of Chinese knot for its characteristic form, colorfulness and profound meaning.