Page 372 - Lindsey Philpott "The Ultimate Book of Decorative Knots"

366 the ultimate book of decorative knots

The front view of the finished Wing Knot. The back view of the same knot.

JAPAnese Knotting It was also a symbol of martial success, because

Samurai warriors were responsible for much the words ‘dragonfly’ and ‘victory’ in Japanese
Japanese Knotting (Hanamusubi). They created apparently sound alike to the Western ear. However,
Kumihimo, the art of making and wearing the dragonfly is also seen in Western culture as
braiding. Braids, flat and round, were used to hold something sinister or harmful. In Swedish folklore,
together their armour when they went into battle. the dragonfly is said to be the devil’s assistant in
The significance of the knots used cannot be weighing people’s souls. I like the Japanese version
understated, for they represented life itself and, if and I offer it here as a token of good strength and
undone, so might the warrior become undone. On happiness for you.
the other hand, Mizuhiki (the use of paper-covered
wire to form animal, bird, food, and spirit shapes)
was used to decorate gifts in ways that showed the make the head of
grace and temperament of the giver. I show you here 1 the dragonfly first,
how to make two simple knots used as adornments using the same
for gifts – they may be made with Mizuhiki or with Lotus Bud used
round braids in Kumihimo. Let’s start with the by other Asian
dragonfly. Apart from the Japanese reverence for knotters.
the dragonfly, they also have a strong affinity for
the garden, organised or simply fenced and always
under control or guidance. A garden being a place
of simplicity, peace, and contemplation, it behoves next, the wings
the gardener to make life easy and gentle. Few 2 are made as the
nails or other harsh metal objects are used, instead good Luck Knot
preferring the use of bamboo tied with cords and or Jury mast Knot.
rice-straw wrapping instead of plastics. Here the first pair
of cords is tied in
the japanese dragonFly an overhand Knot
using the left-side
This method of making the dragonfly seems cords, leaving
somehow more natural and true to form, at least as enough cord for
far as making anything in cord may be thought of the wings to be
as more natural! The dragonfly itself is a symbol of formed.
courage, strength and happiness in Japanese culture.