The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting: A Compendium of Techniques and Variations [Hardcover]

Lydia Chen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2007

The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting is the culmination of 20 years of research into the ancient art of Chinese knotting 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 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 additions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

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

About the Author

Lydia Chen, a leading authority on traditional Chinese decorative knotting, was born in Loching, Chekiang, in 1940. 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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; 1st Tuttle Ed edition (October 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804836795
• ISBN-13: 978-0804836791
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #221,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The iIncomplete Book of Chinese Nothing, March 23, 2008

By 

Linda S. Wright "Ronald P Wright" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting: A Compendium of Techniques and Variations (Hardcover)

Beautiful photos and drawings of Chinese knots. The only problem with this book is that it does not show you how to tie them. If you studied the photos long enough you might be able to figure them out. I still don't know how to tie a Chinese button knot. If you are an expert at knotting you might find this book useful. If you are looking for directions on how to tie Chinese knots, this is not the book for you. I am also sure that there are more then the 14 Chinese knots that are covered in this book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting by Lydia Chen, October 31, 2008

By 

Bea Kwan (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting: A Compendium of Techniques and Variations (Hardcover)

This book has gorgeous examples of very detailed knotting work, mostly Chinese but a couple Japanese and Korean works. For the simpler knots it has diagrams of the layering and formation of the cord which might be a bit difficult to beginners. If so I suggest getting Lydia Chen's other knotting book, Chinese Knotting: Creative Designs that are Easy and Fun! which has much more detailed and superbeginner-friendly guides to each of the smaller knots. That book also has an introduction to set-up methods (pins on a surface to hold the cord, knots in place).
However, I do think that if you perhaps have an eye for detail and carefully look at the layering of cords in the diagrams you could figure these out. Keep in mind though, that the later more super-detailed (very gorgeous) designs in the book only have text descriptions of how they can be made.

"The Complete Book of Knotting" does have a more full spectrum of knots.. I feel that it encourages and gives advice for the reader to make their own designs after mastering/getting used to the large vocabulary of the other knots. It also gives a more historical introduction to knots in Chinese history.

All in all I really recommend anyone seriously going to take on this craft to purchase both books. For super beginners, definitely start with the Chinese Knotting: Creative Designs that are Easy and Fun! book. For craft-minded people who only want one book , perhaps you can just get this book.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Detailed instructions!, May 15, 2008

By 

K. Mitchell - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting: A Compendium of Techniques and Variations (Hardcover)

I disagree with the previous review in one aspect at least. There are actually very detailed diagrams of how to tie the knots. Having used a couple of Lydia Chen's other knotting books, I am used to the way the diagrams work, but they can be hard to follow for some people.