Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
Posted on: June 09, 2021 | 
Lyu Min livestreams the art of making Chinese knots at her home in Tianjin (credits to SONG RUI_XINHUA)
When one visits China or a Chinese establishment, there are often decorations with elaborately made knots hanging on the walls or from the doors. These intricate and tightly connected nodules are in fact part of an old tradition of Chinese culture. More than just an expression of art and design, they are repositories of a long history and symbolic means of ancient culture.
By definition, a Chinese knot is a single length of rope (or cord) that is tied and weaved into many different shapes, each of which has its own meaning. Nowadays, one can find them as decorations for places, gifts for special occasions and adornments on clothes. However, on an everyday level, they can also be worn as jewelry and are sold as simple handicrafts or souvenirs for the home.
Most knots are characteristically double layered and symmetrical, with two cords entering from the top and leaving from the bottom, with no distinction between the two. While knots can be made in all colors, weavers often choose red cords because the color signifies good fortune and prosperity. They differ in size, materials and some may incorporate good luck charms made of coins or jade beads. Some of them are weaved to make traditionally important figures like flowers, dragons or fish.
Chinese Knots with Copper Coins
Even though they are considered as folk art, Chinese knots symbolize some key principles of Chinese aesthetics and philosophy: symmetry, balance, unity and interconnection. Also influenced by Buddhist traditions, the popular Pan Chang or ‘mystic knot’ is known as one of the eight symbols of Buddhism in India.
Making the Bride's Gown by Tang Yin (featuring a knot making table)
While it is not exactly known when they were first used for either symbolic or decorative purposes, 100,000-year-old tools have been discovered which were probably used to tie and untie knots in prehistoric times. Some of the earliest evidence of knotting has been preserved on bronze vessels from the Warring States Period (about 403–221 BC), on Buddhist carvings in the Northern Dynasties Period (420-589 CE), and on silk paintings during the Western Han period (206CE – 24 CE).
Some even believe knots were important ways to exchange and record information. The shape of the knot would describe the nature of the event, while the size would show its significance. During the Warring States Period, evidence shows that knots were used to signify agreements between governments.
A detail from a 4th century Chinese painting showing the use of decorative knotting on a parasol
However, the art of knot weaving reached its peak in popularity during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 CE), favored by, and accessible to all classes of society. As opposed to functionality, Chinese knots in this time were seen as expressions of art and sentimental value. It became a distinct art form, and a staple of artistic expression in Chinese culture, and an honorable craft. They symbolized thoughts and feelings, and were passed down to generations that followed as tradition.
A visitor touches a Chinese knot at the National Art Museum of China
In present-day China, knots are used as house decorations to ward off evil spirits or celebrate special occasions. For instance, lovers may receive a ‘true love knot’ or a ‘double happiness knot’, as they come to symbolize mutual love, companionship and fidelity for the rest of their lives. They also continue to be a part of festivities and holidays as signs of hope, prosperity and prayer in a uniquely Chinese fashion.
This art form extended into other Asian territories such as Japan, Korea, Singapore and other parts of Asia. In Japan, the practice is called hanamusubi (meaning ‘flower knot’), and dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when a gift from the Chinese emperor to Japan had a special knot with it. Impressed by the skill of the patterns, the Japanese Emperor ordered his craftsmen to replicate the design using local patterns. And while the Chinese did bring knot-making to Korea, it developed into its own diverse version called maedeup. Koreans started knotting silk around the First Century CE to ornament swords, and hang personal items from the belts of aristocracy, especially during weddings.
A Traditional Chinese Knot Done in Eight Ways
Chinese knots are not just sophisticated and rich artistic crafts, they have also been used for worship and to convey practical messages. Perhaps, a reason for their longevity and popularity have been their diverse uses and ability to mold into so many shapes. But they also come to signify home, family and a creative expression that is uniquely Chinese in its identity. Nowadays, people share knot-making tutorials online to continue this ancient and creative art form for the future generations to learn and preserve.
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