Long a staple decoration across cultures in Asia, the Decorative Knot is instantly recognizable by people both native and foreign to Asian countries. Though the art of knot tying was practiced separately across the world, it was in Asia specifically that this art form was so developed that it's still in widespread and popular use today. Possessing characteristic curves and intricate turns, the decorative knot is an ancient art form that is once again spreading in popularity with the reemergence of Asian cultures on the world stage.
Cultural Significance of Decorative Knot Tying
Besides being practiced in China and much of Asia for several thousand years, Chinese knots begun to see use in both ceremonial and religious functions in addition to their more decorative uses. Chinese weddings commonly feature a variety of decorative knots, symbolic of the entwining of two lives similar to entwining of the knots. Many pieces also feature embroidered images or other materials inlaid onto the knot itself, such as precious stones or other solid materials. Other common additions to knots are small embroidered bags filled with fragrant herbs. In modern times, decorative knots fill an important commercial niche especially in China, where you'll see it attached to everything from rear view mirrors to cell phones carried by teenagers.
Origins of Traditional Decorative Knot Making in Asia
Knot making began during prehistoric times, likely for the practical purposes of holding together rope and other fabric material. But as civilization advanced, the practice shifted to artistic and ceremonial purposes. Surviving documents and records suggest that artistic knot making was proliferating widely in ancient China and being incorporated into everything from sword hilts, lanterns, to hair stick tassels.
No comments:
Post a Comment