17 巧结之缘

名字：陈瑞涵

鉴赏项目：中国结

语录：巧思生，成一结；一结生，承百意；百意传，成一艺。

中国结的介绍（Introduction of Chinese Knot）

        中国结因外表精致，可代表中国悠久的历史，符合中国传统装饰习俗和审美观念，故名为“中国结”。在上古时期，结绳用来记事和捆扎猎物，依据事情的大小来决定系上大结还是小结。到了新石器时代则演变为陶器和青铜器上的“绳纹”。战国时期的人们把结绳应用在服装装饰上。它在唐宋时期兴起，于明清时期发展到鼎盛，使其从装饰提升为艺术。此后传承至今。
        We named this handcraft as “Chinese Knot” because of its beautiful appearance. Chinese knots can represent China’s long history and it is corresponding to the element of decorations of Chinese traditional customs and also its esthetic conception. During the old time, the ancient people used knots to record and tie up the preys. The sizes of knots depend on the importance of a particular event. In the Neolithic Era, it became “Jomon” at the pottery and bronze implements. In the Warring States Period, knots became clothing decorations. Then, Chinese knot came into vogue in Dynasty Tang and Song. It had a great development from decoration to art in Dynasty Ming and Qing. Therefore, this art keep existing until today’s world. 

鉴赏与心得（Art Appraiser and Reflection）

        这里我们认识了曼陀罗结、吉祥结、金刚结和平结。曼陀罗结寓意着诸事顺意，美满和谐敬爱，还能为佩戴者积聚福德与智慧。吉祥结原是牧民的腰间挂饰，后来演变成为装饰品，寓意着吉祥如意。金刚结最早来自西藏，与法器金刚绳有关。它作为护身符，保护我们不被恶人所害。平结则是中国最古老、最通俗实用的结索。“平”有高低相等、不相上下之意，又有征服、稳定的含义。此结寓意着延寿平安、平步青云。
        中国结是中华艺术中“线的艺术”，也是先秦儒家实现理性精神的一种体现。在了解的过程中我发现中国结除了寓意之外，它也是一种符号，被分为民俗符号、规约符号和汉字谐音符号。此外，我发现其特点背后都有其意义存在，外形对称反映了中国文化中所提到的中庸平衡、连续的编织代表着联通贯穿、永无止境，其不易松散的结形又代表着稳固的特点。一条神奇的绳子能在统一中变化、变化中统一，真是令人惊叹。作为一个有意味的形式，小小的中国结，背后却又极深的历史底蕴，每个都承载着人们对于生活的美好祝愿。我认为这也是先人们热爱生活的体现。我很佩服先人们的智慧，也非常希望这个艺术能够持续地传承下去。

        Let us have more understanding about “Mandala Knot”, “Chinese Good Luck Knot”, “Diamond Knot” and Reef Knot. “Mandala knot” means everything goes well and it also collects the luck and wisdom for the wearer. “Chinese Good Luck Knot” changes from herdsman’ waist ornaments to common decorations. “Diamond Knot” came from Tibet. It helps to protect the wearer from being attacked by evil people. “Reef Knot” is the oldest knot and it was extremely prefered by society. The word “Ping（平）” means equally high. It  brings out the messages about conquer and steady. So, this knot means longevity and safe. 

        In Chinese Art, we explain Chinese Knot as a line art. It shows the Spirit of Practical Rationality in Confucianism. I accidentally know that Chinese Knot is not only significant but also a symbol. It can be classified as Folklore Symbols, Statute Symbol and Chinese character homophone. I was surprised by its characteristics, which are symmetry, continuous and firm. Symmetry shows moderate in Chinese culture. Continuous means never- ending. What I feel amazing is that one miraculous knot rope is highly changeable. As a meaningful form, a small Chinese knot contains a long history and countless changes behind it. Every change is deeply significant about the human good wishes for life. I can feel that the ancient people loved their lives so much. I really admire their wisdom and also hope that the art of Chinese Knot can be passed  to the future generations.