Chinese knot
Chinese knot (Chinese: 中国 结; Pinyin : Zhōngguó jié ; formerly known as Luòzi ) is a decorative handicraft that originated as a form of Chinese folk art in the Tang and Song dynasties (960-1279 AD) in China and later in the Ming Dynasty became popular. The knots are often referred to as "traditional Chinese decorative knots". In other cultures they are known as "decorative knots". The Japanese and Korean knots were also influenced by the Chinese originals.
history
Ropes were already used in the Stone Age to tie together hunting prey. This is where the original knots were made. Needles made of bones, bones with holes and jewelry made of shells were discovered as legacies of the Stone Age people. Knots had to be tied to sew clothes or to link jewelry.
Some of the earliest evidence of knotting are on bronze vessels of the Warring States Period (475 v. BC-221 v. Chr.), On Buddhist carvings of the Northern Dynasties (317-581) and on silk paintings in the Western Han Dynasty (207 BC – 9 AD). In addition to practical functions and as a memory aid, the knot has gradually acquired an aesthetic meaning. The knot began to be used to decorate clothing from the Warring States Period. Traditionally, when wearing Chinese Hanfu, a belt should be tied around the waist. The knot had since become an important accessory in clothing decoration.
During the Tang and Song dynasties, the knots were increasingly used to decorate costumes and handicrafts. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, a variety of Chinese knots with different purposes, names and styles emerged. The development of the Chinese knot reached its peak, so that the knot had evolved from decoration to art.
As the technique of knotting progressed to increasingly complex patterns, knot shapes continued to evolve over time. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese knots finally underwent a change in meaning, evolving from folklore to a traditional art form recognized in China.
Manufacturing
The knots are made from wire or rope and are usually double-layered and symmetrical. The different knots are combined and decorated with each other. Each basic structure is named according to its shape and its meaning, such as "happiness and longevity", "double happiness", "lucky fortune" and "have a good trip!", Which are considered a blessing or prayer.
material
The main material of Chinese knots is thread. This is usually made of silk, cotton, linen, nylon, or mixtures of these materials. In addition, the thread used is usually one color. The colors red, gold, green, blue or black are very common. Most commonly, however, red threads are used.
influence
Korea
In Korea, decorative knots are called “maedeup” (in Korean: 매듭). The origin of the Maedeup goes back to the Three Kingdoms of Korea in the first century. Maedeup items were initially used in religious ceremonies. Inspired by Chinese knots, through the discovery of a wall painting in Anak, Hwanghae Province, now North Korea (dated 357 CE), it was found that knotting silk knots was widespread during this period and was inspired by Chinese knots. The nobility attached decorative links to silk dresses, jewelry, swords, straps, and personal items. Now they are still used in contemporary wedding ceremonies. Maedeup is still a widely practiced traditional art, especially among the older generations.
The most basic Maedeup knot is called a Dorae, or double connector, knot. The Dorae knot is used at the beginning and at the end of most knotwork. There are roughly 33 basic forms of Korean knots, which vary by region of origin. The bong sool tassels are particularly well known as the most representative work, as they are often bought by Americans and Europeans as a souvenir for macrame-style wall hangings.
Further development
As of today, the Chinese knots are in line with the modern lifestyle and have manifested themselves in a number of products, most notably ornaments and costumes. The Chinese knots are used as many kinds of jewelry and accessories, such as large wall hangings, indoor pendants, car jewelry, rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, belts, classic plate buttons, etc.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Zonglin Chang, Xukui Li: Aspect of Chinese culture , 2006. 中国 文化 导读. 清华大学 出版社.
- ↑ a b cf. Elsabe J. Van Rensburg: Knot Another! Bangkok: Bleho Media, 2009. ISBN 978-6119020405