Page 102 - J. C. Turner - History and Science of Knots

The Art of Chinese Knotwork: a Short History 91

been witnessed in the development of Japanese knotwork. This may explain
why the decorative knots of Japan are still quite simple in form and relatively
loose in structure.
Second, Chinese knots are complex insofar as interlacement is concerned,
and in this structural complexity exist many pattern variations. This char-
acteristic, to be sure, clearly distinguishes Chinese knotwork from its Euro-
American sibling, macrame tatting. While the square knots and half hitches
are frequently used in the making of macrame, they are nonetheless rather
plain, aesthetically speaking. Further, only when a group of square knots and
half hitches are well put together may the beauty of a piece of macrame be re-
alized. On the other hand, each of the knots in a Chinese knotwork is in itself
a delicate piece of art, with its own cosmos of looping, weaving, hitching, and
cording. When a group of these knots are assembled, countless combinations
of decorative patterns emerge.
Similar to Chinese knots in terms of technical maturity are the knots of
Korea. While tracing the history and development of knotting in Korea is
by no means possible, as source materials conducive for such an endeavor are
scarce, it is believed that Korean knotwork also has its origin in China. What
is even more interesting to note here, though, is that the Koreans, having
acquired their sophisticated knotting techniques from the Middle Kingdom,
have been able to retain their own traditions and designs and create an art
that is truly unique 112, p. 32].
Third, Chinese knots, for the most part, are symmetrical in form. While
this design is very much in line with the underlying philosophy of Chinese
decorative arts, it has nevertheless curtailed the artists' options in the selection
of themes.
Fourth, Chinese knots are three-dimensional; they consist of two layers
of cord, with an empty space in between. This type of interlacement can
strengthen the structure of the knot without having to alter its shape, ren-
dering it tenacious enough for hanging. At the same time, unwanted loose
ends can be tucked into the space inside. Further, beads, jewels, and other
auspicious objects may also be sewn in, adding to the overall beauty of the
knot.

The Development of Chinese Knotwork and Its Application

Despite the fact that Chinese knotwork is in its own right a very exquisite form
of artistic expression, documented references to its making or evolution have
been scant. As Dr. Ch'en Ch'i-lu, former Chairman of the ROC's Council
for Cultural Planning and Development, so succinctly pointed out in 1986,
"Historians have always been confined by the concept that `those with high
forms constitute the Way, while those with low forms constitute the Tools,'