Fun with chinese Knotting-(Berkeiey)
D1006-54 -- 4225 --01 Resurg of Ch Knot (4-26)FIN_ 10/16/06 7:17 PM Page 25
Fun with chinese Knotting-(Berkeiey)
D1006-54 -- 4225 --01 Resurg of Ch Knot (4-26)FIN_ 10/16/06 7:16 PM Page 25
FORMATION SKILLS 25
TBCord Materials
Traditional Chinese knots were – and still are – made from silk or cotton cords. For
the contemporary knotter, however, there are literally hundreds of types of cord to
choose from: jute, hemp, twine, string, wool, leather, synthetic fiber, metal wire. In
fact, anything that can be bent and tied without tearing has potential. Many materi-
als can be found in your own home or neighborhood, while others need to be pur-
chased from stores dealing in crafts, yarn, embroidery, macramé and tailor’s supplies.
Because different materials have different textures, knot formations made from
different cords will exhibit different styles and give totally different results. Because
silk cords are fine, they are most suitable for classical knot formations. Cotton cords
are thicker and tougher and hold their shape well. Jute cords express roughness and
freedom and hence are suitable for bigger knot formations. Woolen cords have short-
er fibers and tend to fray easily. They also tend not to show a clear-cut weave. Nylon
and other synthetic cords are smooth and hard and tend to be loose, but if tightened
properly are ideal for making stiffer knot formations. Generally, rigid cord is hard to
control as it will not conform to shape. On the other hand, an overly pliant cord will
not take on any shape at all. The secret lies in striking a balance between the two.
The grains in a cord will also have an impact on the visual effect of a knot. A cord
with simple grains will not overshadow a knot pattern, whereas cords with compli-
cated grains – intricately woven, unevenly textured or variegated cords – tend to
detract attention from the knots themselves and muddle their patterns.
It is also important to ensure that a knot formation and the accompanying deco-
rative objects are compatible with the cord chosen. Bigger and rougher objects go
with thicker cords, small, elegant pieces with finer ones. To express grace and ele-
gance, soft cords are ideal. To highlight a clear-cut weave, hard cords are best.The world of Chinese knotting can be greatly
enriched and enlivened by departing from the
use of traditional materials such as silk and
cotton cords and branching out into glossy
plastic, shiny metal, natural clay and colorful
cloth. The plastic cords used in the knot shown
above are both stain and fire resistant. They
also make a strong contemporary statement.53545556