The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting by Lydia Chen

The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting by Lydia Chen

Make intricate and beautiful Chinese knots with this traditional Chinese craft book. Chinese knotting, the joining of two cords to form symmetrical paterns, is an ancient and revered art form in China and an integral part of Chinese life. Born first out of practical necessity in prehistoric times to bind materials for hunting, fishing, farming, shelters, communication and other inventions to aid production and convenience, Chinese knots were soon employed as decorative motifs on artifacts, both functional and ornamental, and for festive occasions and important rites of passage. Today, more sophisticated designs, materials and applications have rejuvenated this colorful Chinese craft and have attracted a large following worldwide. The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting is the culmination of 20 years of research into the ancient art of Chinese knotting and macrame by renowned authority Lydia Chen. Inspired by the decorative knots embellishing ancient artifacts such as pots, jade, statuary, boxes and paintings, the author has systematically classified the basic knots, many almost forgotten, and their variations, as well as developed new knots using various knotting combinations and innovative materials. In addition to a useful summary of the four major techniques for tying basic Chinese knots and the nine main ways of modifying them, the author introduces 56 brand new knots and creative designs which can be used to make jewelry, ornaments and stylish wardrobe and fashion additions.

"Traditional basic knots are expanded into more complex forms through very detailed diagrams and instructions" —Library Journal

Lydia Chen, a leading authority on traditional Chinese decorative knotting, was born in Loching, Chekiang, in 1940. Her interest in knotting began when her father-in-law, a deputy curator at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan, arranged for her to learn simple knots from an elderly museum custodian. From this modest beginning, she went on to figure out how knots were formed from the antique pieces she collected, and even invented some designs of her own. She has taught knotting at colleges, held several exhibitions of her work both at home and abroad, and authored a number of books on the art.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780804836791
ISBN 10	0804836795
Title	The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting
Author	Lydia Chen
Condition	Unavailable
Publisher	Tuttle Publishing
Year published	2007-10-15
Number of pages	160
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.