The Chinese Knot

This book is an ultimate comprehensive guide, not only presenting the step-by-step illustrated instructions but also all the information regarding Chinese knotting. From the origins to developments, functions to decorations, material selections to final products, basic techniques to modified combinations, and traditional crafts to creative designs, author Cao Haimei walks you through every detail.Chinese knotting is a traditional handcraft of interlacing silk cords and other materials. Do you know that it was dated back to the Early Stone Age and was used for keeping records before the invention of writing? Have you thought about how it was developed from a general necessity to a royal cherished decoration?Besides discovering the history and traditions, this book also demonstrates the basic techniques, such as designing, interlacing, tightening, shaping, adjusting, and decorating. With the proper tools and materials, whether it is synthetic or silk cords, glass beads or porcelain charms, gold rings or silver clasps, you can start knotting by following the 100+ projects to make your home decorations, lucky charms, necklaces, bracelets, hair accessories, buttons, brooches and many more.To make your craft more unique and outstanding, learn the different types of variations combinations, and advanced techniques. Now start knotting and create your own innovative piece of art!

Knotting, "the joining of two cords," is an old and revered art form in China and an integral part of Chinese life. Since ancient times, Chinese knots have been used for a variety of practical and decorative purposes: to record events, aid in fishing and hunting, wrap and tie items, embellish personal attire, jewelry and fashion, ornament other works of art, and communicate. The intricate knot work and magnificent color combinations not only lent elegance to everyday objects, or a touch of gaiety and enchantment, but were an aesthetic expression of Chinese folk symbolism, expressing wishes for good fortune and wealth or the joys of love and marriage. In craft book Chinese Knotting, author Lydia Chen first traces the origins, history, and symbolism of this fascinating craft, before taking the reader through the fundamental elements necessary for tying Chinese decorative knots—the materials, implements, and main processes. Step-by-step instructions are then given for the 11 basic knots, which provide the building blocks for the 14 compound knots-combinations and variations of the simple knots-that follow in the next section. The final section presents 41 knotting projects of varying difficulty. Detailed instructions, clear diagrams, and color photographs, combined with an exciting assortment of creative applications, will help readers discover the relaxation, artistic satisfaction, and beautifully personalized ornamentation that Chinese Knotting can offer.

Make intricate and beautiful Chinese knots with this traditional Chinese craft book. Chinese knotting, the joining of two cords to form symmetrical paterns, is an ancient and revered art form in China and an integral part of Chinese life. Born first out of practical necessity in prehistoric times to bind materials for hunting, fishing, farming, shelters, communication and other inventions to aid production and convenience, Chinese knots were soon employed as decorative motifs on artifacts, both functional and ornamental, and for festive occasions and important rites of passage. Today, more sophisticated designs, materials and applications have rejuvenated this colorful Chinese craft and have attracted a large following worldwide. The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting is the culmination of 20 years of research into the ancient art of Chinese knotting and macrame by renowned authority Lydia Chen. Inspired by the decorative knots embellishing ancient artifacts such as pots, jade, statuary, boxes and paintings, the author has systematically classified the basic knots, many almost forgotten, and their variations, as well as developed new knots using various knotting combinations and innovative materials. In addition to a useful summary of the four major techniques for tying basic Chinese knots and the nine main ways of modifying them, the author introduces 56 brand new knots and creative designs which can be used to make jewelry, ornaments and stylish wardrobe and fashion additions.

Chinese knotting means the joining of two cords. The cord is originally braided by our ancestors as a tool to bind and tie with knots. The knot is also an ancient means of recording, which is the precursor of Chinese characters. "Cord" in Chinese sounds similar to "God" in the language, and the shape of a cord is similar to that of a Chinese dragon, so the knot is considered sacred. Then the knot gradually evolves into a kind of decoration, which is endowed with the connotation of beauty. The Chinese knot is also a relatively common handicraft in our modern life, so it is named "Chinese knot." There are numerous ways of tying Chinese knots and their materials are various. Besides different types of cords, the materials could be paper strips, cloth strips, or even reed leaves. The Chinese knotting methods are countless. A seemingly simple cord can be transformed into a variety of objects through simple or complicated knotting. Each basic knot is made by weaving a single rope from the beginning to the end. After continuously and orderly shuttling and winding in between the rows of ropes, the rope forms symmetric knot ornaments, whose obverse and reverse sides are the same. Besides, the two ends of the rope are connected, and it seems the knots have no beginning or ending. The Chinese knots are tight bound, so they are unlikely to become loose when binding things. Therefore, they are very practical. The Chinese knots can be divided into three categories: basic knots, derivative knots, and combination knots. Apart from the skill required to master a variety of basic knotting techniques, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of each knot in order to make changes and combinations, or even to innovate new knots. Because of their unique oriental charm, and magical and various changes, Chinese knots attract more and more people. Like Chinese paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, Chinese knots are easily recognizable by foreigners nowadays. Chinese knots are unadorned, solemn, and elegant. People also name them after their shapes and symbolic meanings. The lucky knot implies auspiciousness and good luck. The Panchang knot represents continuation and longevity. The double coin knot means that good things happen in pairs and that the source of wealth is abundant. Each knot offers sincere blessings and great wishes. The Chinese knot is not only graceful and rich in implications, but also a valuable cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. It reflects the spiritual connotation of the Chinese nation to some extent. As part of the precious national cultural heritage, Chinese knotting is expected to flourish and add warmth and blessings to people's lives, as well as to bring joy and satisfaction to the makers.

Detailed instructions, clear diagrams and lovely color photographs combine to make craft book Fun with Chinese Knotting both attractive and useful—displaying the many creative uses these decorative knots can have, and the great variety of materials used to make them. This delightful book is sure to be a rich source of inspiration for craftspeople everywhere. The art of Chinese knotting or macrame, has a surprisingly contemporary appeal, author artist Chen focuses on the decorative uses of Chinese knots to create your own personal fashion accessories which include: Hair ornaments Earrings Necklaces Pendants Brooches Belts Bracelets and anklets Accents that may be added to items of clothing Chinese knots are attractive and alluring along with being an Asian craft that is relatively easy to learn. Used for a variety of practical and decorative purposes—to record events, to fish and hunt, to wrap and tie items, as ornamental works of art, and even to communicate, Fun with Chinese Knotting will allow readers to create something for anyone.

Short stories reflecting the experiences of Chinese immigrants to Toronto over several decades. Set in multiracial neighbourhoods, in Chatham, in schools and community centres, and elsewhere in the city they give us snapshots of Chinese life that together cohere to form a comprehensive work of contemporary fiction. -- Amazon.com.

Short stories reflecting the experiences of Chinese immigrants to Toronto over several decades. Set in multiracial neighbourhoods, in Chatham, in schools and community centres, and elsewhere in the city they give us snapshots of Chinese life that together cohere to form a comprehensive work of contemporary fiction. -- Amazon.com.