Knotting, or the joining of two cords to form symmetrical patterns, is an old and revered art form in China and an integral part of Chinese life. Since ancient times, Chinese knots have been used for a variety of practical and decorative purposes. In this book, author Lydia Chen focuses on the use of Chinese knots as fashion accessories - hair ornaments, earrings, necklaces, pendants, brooches, belts, bracelets and anklets-and as accents on clothing. Detailed instructions, clear diagrams, and beautiful colour photographs of the creative use of these decorative knots and the variety of materials that can be used combine to make this book both attractive and useful and a source of inspiration for craftspeople everywhere.

Author Biography

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.