Chinese Knots

I became motivated to learn Chinese knots because the Anglesey 2022-23 Warlord has a Southern Song Dynasty persona.  Evidence of Chinese knotting was recorded on bronze vessels from the Warring States Period, circa 403-221 BCE and also from archaeology and literature evidence from the same period.  Evidence from this era suggests that knots had a specific function of recording events and to pass judgments in the court of law.  Literature evidence suggests that knots were used in agreements between governments.  Knots also have a strong tie to Buddhism, as seen in Buddhist carvings of the Northern Dynasties period circa 317-581 CE.  There are also silk paintings of the Western Han period 206 BCE -9 CE that illustrates the usage of knots.  It was during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) when Chinese knotting became a distinct art form in Chinese culture.  Chinese knots are mainly with red cord, although they can vary in color.  Red is very important and the most popular color in China, symbolizing fortune and wealth.  In modern China, the knots are mainly used as house decorations, especially during festive occasions, and in traditional Chinese fashion as buttons. They are also given as presents on special occasions. 

The Good Luck Knot can be seen in images carved on a statue of the Asian Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, which was created between AD 557 and 588, and later found in a cave in northwest China.  

This is my "Good Luck Knot" A&S entry for Norse Wars 2022 showing the Good Luck Knot from start to finish.  It got 2nd place!