I've always been a fan of Chinese knots, as their macrame is known. I have wall hangings and jewelry made into knots using bright red silk string and cord. What I didn't know is that this lovely folk art originated back with prehistoric man.
Archaeologists have found evidence that the early Chinese used knots as far back as 100,000 years ago. The knots weren't used to create wall hangings to decorate the cave homes. Instead, they were used to fasten clothes made from fur together, as buttons and zippers hadn't been invented back then. It was not until the Tang Dynasty that the knots started being used for decorative purposes.
You can read more about Chinese knots in this article on them that I wrote for my Chinese history section at Suite101.com.
Our Chinese friends had wedding knots made for my husband and I when we got married. They hang in the hallway between the living and bedrooms in our house. This hall is also known as the Great Hall of China because it contains numerous examples of Chinese arts and crafts.
Are you going to China?
If you're planning a trip to China, check out my website, Cheryl's China, and feel free to email me if you have any questions about traveling in China.
What's your favorite Chinese folk art?
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