The Origin, Types and Cultural Connotations of Chinese Knots

Table of Contents

1. The historical origin of Chinese knots

1.1 Origin and early development
1.2 The prototype technology of the Paleolithic Age

2. The predecessor of writing: knotting

2.1 The records and cultural significance of "Yi Xici"
2.2 The relationship between knotting technology and early writing

3. The practical function of Chinese knots in ancient life

3.1 The application of knots in clothing
3.2 The combination of jade pendants and knots
3.3 The practical value of seal buttons and mirror buttons

4. The cultural connotation and symbolic meaning of Chinese knots

4.1 The sacred meaning in traditional culture
4.2 Cultural symbols of auspicious meaning

5. The classic form and artistic conception of Chinese knots

5.1 Panchang knot - a symbol of eternal dependence
5.2 Ruyi knot - a beautiful expectation of everything going well
5.3 Jixiang knot - a traditional symbol of good luck
5.4 Phoenix knot - a symbol of auspiciousness and prosperity
5.5 Clover Knot - Symbol of wealth and good luck
5.6 Round damask knot - Symbol of integrity and balance

6. Daily application of Chinese knots

6.1 Knot decoration for weddings
6.2 Combination of traditional objects and knots
6.3 Cultural connotations in decoration

7. Cultural and technological development of Chinese knots

7.1 Sacred status and early functions in ancient times
7.2 The rise of art in the Tang and Song dynasties
7.3 Prosperity and development in the Ming and Qing dynasties

8. Inheritance and innovation of knot art in modern and contemporary times

8.1 Modern revival of traditional skills
8.2 Application in cultural creativity and modern design

9. Conclusion

- Cultural significance and contemporary value of Chinese knots

The historical origin of Chinese knotting

Chinese knotting are not only a kind of decoration, but also the essence of Chinese culture, carrying a long history and profound cultural heritage. It originated from a practical tool in ancient life. After years of evolution, it has gradually become a traditional art form that combines artistry, practicality and symbolism.

The Chinese learned to tie knots a long time ago. And "knots" have always occupied a pivotal position in the lives of Chinese people. One of the main reasons why knots are so important is that they are a very practical technology. This can be seen from many historical materials and traditional customs.

As early as the end of the Paleolithic Age, in the remains of the Zhoukoudian Shangdingdong people culture, the existence of "bone needles" was found. Since there were needles, there must have been ropes at that time, so it can be inferred that the simple knotting and sewing techniques at that time should have taken shape. These embryonic technologies are not only necessary tools for survival, but also an important symbol of cultural progress, laying the foundation for the development of knot art in later generations.

The predecessor of writing

The ancient Chinese book "Yi Xici" records: "In ancient times, people used knots to record events, and later sages changed it to written contracts." Zheng Xuan also mentioned in his annotations to "Zhou Yi": "Big knots are used for big events, and small knots are used for small events." The shape of knotted ropes is still left on the numerical symbols seen on the bronze ware of the Warring States Period. These historical materials show that knots were indeed used as a tool to assist memory, and can also be said to be the predecessor of writing. As an early method of recording and transmitting information, knots have important historical significance. They played a transitional role in the emergence and development of language and writing, and also reflected the crystallization of early human wisdom.

The Chinese mastered the knotting technique very early, and the importance of "knots" in Chinese culture is not only reflected as a practical technology, but also contains profound cultural significance and the habit of wearing.

Clothing
The earliest clothes did not have accessories such as buttons and zippers. In order to tie the clothes tightly, they could only be achieved by knotting. This method not only met practical needs, but also gradually developed beautiful decorative forms, laying the foundation for the later integration of knot art into clothing culture.

Jade pendants
Chinese people have a tradition of wearing jade since ancient times. The shapes of jade pendants vary from generation to generation, including jade pendants and jade pendants. These jade pendants are connected to clothes through knots to form unique decorations. Some sets of jade pendants are composed of multiple jade pieces, connected by complex knotting techniques. The way of wearing not only shows the beauty of jade, but also reflects the important role of knotting techniques in traditional culture.

Application

Seal buttons and mirror buttons: Seals and seal buttons in the Han Dynasty usually have knot functions in their designs, which are convenient for tying ropes and hanging. The mirror buttons on the back of ancient bronze mirrors are also used for threading ropes and holding. These applications show the widespread use of knots in daily life.

Concentric knot: The ancients used a brocade belt to weave a concentric knot to symbolize love, such as the poem of Emperor Wu of Liang mentioned: "Double silk belts around the waist, dreams of concentric knots".

Concentric knots are not only a symbol of emotion, but also an important element in ancient weddings and gifts.

Women's decoration: For example, the decorative knots on the belts of ladies in Gu Kaizhi's "Biography of Women" reflect the practicality and beauty of knot art. The bows in the murals of the tomb of Princess Yongtai in the Tang Dynasty show that knot art has gradually evolved into an art form and integrated into daily life and aesthetic culture.

Knot art in modern and contemporary times

By the Qing Dynasty, knots had developed to a very high artistic level, with many styles and rich names, such as the "needle" described in "Dream of Red Mansions", one of the four great masterpieces of China. Knots are both a decoration and carry deep cultural connotations. This development reflects the transformation of knots from practical tools to artistic expressions, and gradually became a part of Chinese culture. Since the Republic of China, with the introduction of Western technology, material restrictions and changes in social forms, traditional knot art has gradually declined. However, the revival movement in the 21st century has brought new vitality to knot art in modern design, decoration and cultural communication. Nowadays, knots are not only used for decoration and traditional gifts, but also play an important role in clothing design, home decoration, and cultural and creative industries, becoming a model of the combination of traditional culture and modern life.

Cultural connotation and symbolic meaning

The Chinese knot, the sentiment and wisdom it shows is a cultural aspect of the ancient Chinese civilization. It symbolizes the heart-to-heart bond of the descendants of Yan and Huang, and carries the cultural sentiment and wisdom of the ancient Chinese civilization. Its complex and graceful curves can be reduced to the simplest two-dimensional lines. It has a graceful and elegant charm. It comes from the basic tools of human life in the early days. Its form and connotation all reflect the essence of Chinese culture.

Due to its long history, the history of Chinese knots runs through human history. The long cultural accumulation makes Chinese knots permeated with pure cultural essence and rich cultural heritage. "Rope" and "God" are homophones, symbolizing strength and harmony. At the beginning of the formation of Chinese culture, ropes were once worshiped. Knots are often given sacred symbolic meanings. For example, the legend of "Nuwa pulling ropes to create people" reflects the worship of ropes. The knot is also homophonic with the word "ji", implying auspiciousness, happiness, well-being and other beautiful visions. This symbolic meaning makes the Chinese knot an important carrier for conveying good wishes and maintaining emotions. It is naturally the essence of Chinese traditional culture, flourishing long-term planning, and has been passed down to this day.

Form and artistic conception

Chinese knots are not only beautiful in shape and color, but also named for their shape and meaning, such as Panchang knot, caisson knot, double coin knot, etc. These knot art forms condense the cultural beliefs and religious colors of ancient China, and reflect people's desire to pursue truth, goodness and beauty.

Panchang knot: It means to be together forever and never separate. It is often used in weddings and festivals to express wishes for a happy marriage and reunion.

Ruyi knot: It symbolizes everything goes well and is widely used for gift decoration, carrying blessings and expectations.

Auspicious knot: It represents good luck, auspiciousness and beauty, and is often used as a pendant to embellish daily necessities, such as fans and lanterns.

Phoenix knot: It symbolizes the auspiciousness of the dragon and the phoenix, a prosperous career and a rolling source of wealth, and is often used as a decoration for women's traditional clothing.

Clover knot: The clover knot is the most basic and popular knot among Chinese knots, and is often used as the basis for more complex knots. This knot is similar to the plant it is based on (clover, especially four-leaf clover), and symbolizes wealth and good luck. The traditional knot uses 3 loops (3 flower shapes), but the 4-loop version is also quite popular.

Round brocade knot: The round brocade knot symbolizes auspiciousness, completeness and balance, and is shaped like a five-petal flower. Therefore, it is also called the Chinese flower knot.

In addition, there are many other kinds of Chinese knots, which are not shown here one by one. Interested readers can check it out by themselves.

Daily application

In the newlyweds' occasions, the "Panchang knot" is used to decorate the post hook, which means a happy marriage; the "auspicious knot" is decorated on the fan handle to entrust the blessing of auspicious people and heaven; the "Falun knot" is decorated on the sword handle to express the belief of doing good and abandoning evil. These decorations not only add beauty to the objects, but also give them profound cultural connotations, making knots an indispensable element in life.

The culture and craft development of Chinese knots

The full name of Chinese knots is "Chinese traditional decorative knots". It is a hand-woven craft unique to the Han nationality with a long history. The origin of Chinese knots can be traced back to ancient times. At that time, knots were not only essential tools in people's daily lives, but also had the important function of recording history, so they were very sacred in people's minds. People began to use rope patterns to decorate objects a long time ago, injecting aesthetic connotations into knots. In addition to being used for the decoration of objects, knots are also used in people's clothes and accessories, so knots are also an important part of Chinese classical costumes.

The Tang and Song Dynasties (7th to 13th century AD) were an important period for the development of Chinese culture and art. During this period, Chinese knots were widely used in the decoration of clothing and utensils, showing a clear trend of rise. By the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911 AD), the development of Chinese knot craftsmanship reached its peak, and beautiful flower knot decorations could be seen on many daily necessities. There are many styles, exquisite colors, and clever names, which are dazzling and admirable.

The process of making Chinese knots is very complicated and time-consuming. Each basic knot is made from a rope from beginning to end, and is named according to the shape of the knot. Finally, different basic knots are combined and decorated with ornaments to become a handicraft rich in cultural heritage, expressing good wishes, and exquisite and gorgeous in form.

With a long history and long cultural precipitation, Chinese knots contain the unique cultural essence of the Han nationality. It is not only a display of beautiful form and clever structure, but also a manifestation of natural spirituality and humanistic spirit. Therefore, the inheritance and development of traditional Chinese knot craftsmanship is extremely meaningful.

Conclusion

As a traditional skill that carries culture, art and emotion, Chinese knots not only embody the wisdom of the Chinese nation, but also continue the vitality of traditional culture with their unique formal beauty and symbolic connotations. In modern society, Chinese knots are not only a precious artistic heritage, but also an important medium for cultural inheritance and innovation, connecting ancient civilization with the aesthetic needs of the new era. Through the study and inheritance of Chinese knots, we can have a deeper understanding of the profoundness of Chinese culture, and at the same time inject new vitality into the dissemination and development of traditional skills in the context of globalization.