Friday, 11 September 2009

Shop For Unique, Beautiful Chinese Knots In Beijing


By Andy Lao

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.

As a form of decoration, Chinese knots are used extensively to beautify homes and household items. Some particularly small knots are used to decorate gifts. People usually like a few classic designs that have developed over the years. Red is the preferred color because it represents wealth and good luck in Chinese culture. In recent years, multicolored designs have become increasingly popular.

Knots with different designs began to appear in Chinese homes in prehistoric times. But it is believed that they didn't become a popular decorative art until the Tang and Song dynasties. This art form reached its peak in the Qing dynasty and was accepted by most people.

Chinese knots were almost completely lost in the early 20th century because of the introduction of western culture into China. Many people wanted to discard things that were out of date, which unfortunately included many traditional art forms. But this art was revived in the late 1970s by a Taiwanese artist.

Chinese knots come in both simple and complex designs. There are models that beginners can use to tie a simple knot with minimum effort. Professional artists often spend a long time creating a complex knot that twists around in almost impossible directions. Though designs vary, 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

Many classic designs are depicted on knots used during festivals. They include "Double Xi" (happiness), "Fu Xi Shuang Quan" (fortune and longevity), "Auspicious Dragon And Phoenix," "Double Shou" (longevity), "Fish Jumping Over The Dragon Gate," "Everything Goes Well," and "Extra Good Luck."

In Chinese, "knot" is pronounced like "connection." For this reason, people use Chinese knots to symbolize cultural concepts like marriage, friendship, family unity, brotherhood, and the formation of a special sect or community.

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.

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