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The Ties That Bind |
Chinese
people have known how to tie knots with cord ever
since they began tying animal pelts to their bodies
to keep out the cold thousands of years ago. With
the advance of civilization, Chinese people used
knots for more than just fastening and wrapping.
Knots were also used to record events, and some knots
had purely ornamental functions. In 1980, some dedicated
connoisseurs collected an arranged the decorative
yet practical knots that have been passed down through
the centuries in China . After studying the structures
of these knots, the devotees set about creating new
variations and increasing the decorative value of
the knots. These exquisitely symmetrical knots which
come in so many forms are as profound as the great
cultural heritage of the Chinese people. The knots
have thus been collectively named Chinese Macrame. |
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Chinese
Macrame is based on over a dozen basic knots that are named
according to their distinctive shapes, usages, or origins.
The Two Coins Knot, for example, is so named because it
is shaped like two overlapping coins of the kind once used
in ancient China . The Button Knot can actually function
as a button, and the Reversed Swastika Knot is derived
from the Buddhist symbol , which was commonly seen on the
streamers hanging down from the waistband of the Buddhist
Goddess of Mercy. Similarly, the basic form of the Pan-ch'ang
Knot, which is actually a series of continuous loops, symbolizes
the Buddhist conception of continuity and the origin of
all things. Indeed, the Pan-ch'ang Knot is the primary
knot of Chinese Macram| upon which an endless number of
variations can be made. |
Chinese
Macrame, like Chinese calligraphy, painting, sculpture,
porcelain, and even Chinese cooking, is easily recognizable
to Sinophiles. This is because the basic structures of
Chinese Macram| cause it to differ greatly from Western
or Japanese Macram| in shape and function. |
The
knots of Chinese Macrame are pulled quite tightly. They
do not easily come undone when used to bind or wrap something,
so they are very practical. Furthermore, the complicated
structure of Chinese Macrame allows for all kinds of variations
and enhances its decorative value. Almost all the basic
knots of Chinese Macrame are symmetry has set certain technical
limitations on the design and creation of new patterns
and themes, symmetry is consistent with time-honored ornamental
and aesthetic standards in China . Visually, the symmetrical
designs are more easily accepted and appreciated by Chinese
people. |
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Except
for the Two Coins Knot, Chinese Macrame is three dimensional
in structure. It is comprised of two planes which are tied
together to leave a hollow center. Such a structure lends
rigidity to the work as a whole and keeps its shape when
hung on the wall. The hollow center also allows for the
addition of precious stones. |
Crafting
Chinese Macrame is a three-step process of tying knots,
tightening them, and then adding finishing touches. Knot
tying methods are fixed, but the tightening can determine
the degree of tension in a knot, the length of any loops
(which are called ``ears'' in Chinese), and the smoothness
and orderliness of lines. Thus, how well a piece of Chinese
Macram| has been tightened can demonstrate the skill and
artistic merit of a Macram| artist. To finish a knot means
inlaying pearls or other precious stones, starching the
knot into certain patterns, or adding any other final touches. |
Since
ancient times, Chinese Macrame has decorated both the fixtures
of palace halls and the daily implements of countryside
households. Chinese Macram| has appeared also in paintings,
sculptures, and other pieces of folk art. For instance,
Chinese Macram| was used to decorate the chairs used by
the emperor and empress, the corners of sedans, the edges
of parasols, the streamers attached to the waistbands of
lady's dresses, as well as all manner of seals, mirrors,
pouches, sachets, eyeglass cases, fans, and Buddhist rosaries. |
Traditional
handicrafts are flourishing under the stability and prosperity
of modern Taiwan . With the support of the government and
dedicated private citizens in the Republic of China, the
universal popularity of Chinese Macrame has now surpassed
that of previous eras. The endless variations and elegant
patterns of Chinese Macrame, as well as the multitude of
different materials that can be used (cotton, flax, silk,
nylon, leather, and precious metals such as gold and silver,
to name a few) have expanded the functions and widened
the applications of Chinese Macrame. Jewelry, clothes,
gift-wrapping, and furniture can be accentuated with unique
Chinese Macrame creations. Large wall-hangings made of
Chinese Macram| have the same decorative value as fine
paintings or photographs and are perfectly suited for decorating
a parlor or study. |
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Chinese Macrame,
with its classic elegance and ever-changing variations,
is both practical and ornamental and fully reflects and
grace and profundity of Chinese culture. |
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