Knotting; "the joining of two cords;" 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: to record events; aid in fishing and hunting; wrap and tie items; embellish personal attire; jewelry and fashion; ornament other works of art; and communicate. The intricate knot work and magnificent color combinations not only lent elegance to everyday objects; or a touch of gaiety and enchantment; but were an aesthetic expression of Chinese folk symbolism; expressing wishes for good fortune and wealth or the joys of love and marriage. In craft book Chinese Knotting; author Lydia Chen first traces the origins; history; and symbolism of this fascinating craft; before taking the reader through the fundamental elements necessary for tying Chinese decorative knotsmdash;the materials; implements; and main processes.Step-by-step instructions are then given for the 11 basic knots; which provide the building blocks for the 14 compound knots-combinations and variations of the simple knots-that follow in the next section. The final section presents 41 knotting projects of varying difficulty. Detailed instructions; clear diagrams; and color photographs; combined with an exciting assortment of creative applications; will help readers discover the relaxation; artistic satisfaction; and beautifully personalized ornamentation that Chinese Knotting can offer.
#2279091 in eBooks 2015-01-30 2015-01-30File Name: B00QW2HUCQ
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. She Lingers Like a Lovely; Well-perfumed GhostBy MarshallRI have fallen in love with Ingrid all over again. Unlike many bios on the subject; this book; at its best; contains the Real Voice of Ingrid Bergman. Although it actually features snippets from her life; and events often relayed over the years; the reader gets to witness the feelings of the subject; along with anecdotes of those who knew; admired and loved this courageous; lovely and talented woman.Having read now three books on Bergman; I will say I am confused by certain details; confounded by others; and am left to decide upon the facts presented in other situations. Here; we are told of Bergmans great love and infatuation for her first husband; Petter Lindstrom. We are told this in Bergmans own words. In a different book; her great love was for a man she never married; war photographer; Robert Capa. In another book; Bergman lost her virginity as a teen; to a much older; married Swedish star of the day. Here; in this version; there was never more than friendship. None of this is our business. It matters only that if the former were true; it sets up a history for later events and choices Bergman would make. It clues us in to her psychology. People are mentioned that we can assume were intimate friends of hers (i.e. director Victor Fleming; actor Anthony Quinn); yet the state their intimacy is never explored.Perhaps I am quibbling. Bottom line: I enjoyed this book; despite the fact that at times it seems a sanitized version of vague impressions. It lingers like a lovely; well-perfumed ghost. Several days after completing it; I am still very much haunted by the reading.Make no mistake: This book is a love note to Ingrid Bergman. If you loved her; you will appreciate all that was grand and glorious about her even more here.I just dont feel it is an entirely accurate; warts and all; portrait; nor a thorough accounting of Miss Bergmans life and times.Perhaps that book has yet to be written. # # #2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. GoldenBy Ginger BallI READ TWO BOOKS YOU SENT ME ===ONE BY iNGRID AND ANOTHER BY A WRITER AUTOBIOGRAPHY----I am taking a course in Golden Years of notion picture--and I was so drawn in by the book by Ingrid Bergman-I find it difficult to even explain--that woman suffered a great deal all for a broke Director who she admired so feel in love with his Italian charm-I am Italian so no put down onmy Heritage====I FELT AS IF I WERE IN HER LIFE WITH HER--never experienced this so am a bit taken by it myself----have read 15 Books on the older ACTORs---and more to go---I am a very Senior person--so enjoy the course and the reading has been so good--0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Susan GilbangInteresting...am a fan
