or reducing cords freely during the knotting process offers many more visually interesting options than a single color.
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This beautifully knotted flying phoenix would look wonderful on any plain colored outfit. A series of similar formations, perhaps in different colors, could be used to decorate the corners of cushion covers or table mats. The possibilities are endless!
See project 132 on page 159 for instructions on making the phoenix.
Principles of color blending
Most people select colors according to personal preference. However, a simple insight into the principles of color blending can intensify knotting formations.
Through a prism, sunlight can be broken down into its seven colors, namely red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet, each having its own clarity and brightness. As shown in diagram 38, the blending of blue and yellow, with yellow being brighter and clearer than blue, produces a pleasant contrast and also emphasizes the weave pattern of the knot. Blending colors of low brightness and clarity tends to produce a harmonious effect, for example dark green and dark brown, dark purple and dark blue. For loud, eye-catching contrast, colors like yellow and purple, orange and blue or, as in diagram 39, red and light green, are best.
The matching of similar colors, for example warm colors together, such as red, orange and yellow, or cold colors together, such as blue, indigo, green and purple, tends to inject a sense of harmony and unity into a knot formation. Colors in between the warm and cold ranges, for example purple and reddish purple, as shown in diagram 40, are equally harmonious. Colors outside the normal spectrum, like black, white, gold and silver, have great potential to add interest to a knot formation as they are easy to blend with other any color.
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Color blending plays a central role in the design of knot formations. In this charming pendant, the blue of the stone face is carried through to the intertwining blue and gold of the stone chime knot, based on an ancient Chinese percussion instrument, to the golden side knots embedded in shiny beads – a fine display of the blending of cold colors with neutral colors and neutral colors with warm colors.
See project 48 on page 131 for instructions on making this bracelet.
Establishing the major and minor elements
When making knot formations, not only the knots but also the colors must be divided into major and minor elements in order to provide important contrast. For example, in diagram 41, while green is the major color, by adding a touch of red to the knot body, the whole design is made to stand out. Similarly, in diagram 42, orange is the dominant color, but by highlighting the shape of the body knot with a green rim, the elegance of the whole formation is greatly enhanced. In short, a judicious and harmonious selection and mixing of colors adds aesthetic value to any knot formation.
Blending knot formations with other objects
Not only must the individual knots in a formation blend harmoniously, but they must also coordinate – as a group – with the object(s) added to the knot formation. In diagram 43, for example, the knot formation combines superbly with a beautiful piece of jade to project an image of ancient, harmonious beauty. For a more youthful and trendy look, daring colors (including luminescent ones) and everyday or unusual objects can be introduced into a design.
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A white pan chang knot surrounded by three ru yi knots produces a striking contrast, much like the complementary affect of leaves and flowers. Combined with a blue-and-white porcelain vase, the whole ornament forms a serene and harmonious creation.
See project 133 on page 159 for instructions on making this ornamental hanging.
Embellishing Knot Formations
In addition to considering factors such as the color scheme, format and choice of cords during the initial stages of designing a knot formation, it is always a good idea to explore the possibility of incorporating small objects in the design. Such ornaments may include small hanging objects, beads, tassels, thread bindings and frames.
Hanging objects
Apart from jade or other semiprecious stones, old coins, cloth sachets, porcelain vases, porcelain and wooden sculptures, medallions and other trinkets can be used to grace a knot formation. Care must be taken, however, to ensure that the color, texture and size of the hanging object blend well with the knot formation and that it is of an appropriate size. For example, in diagram 44, the hanging ornament blends perfectly with the knot formation in terms of color, shape and size. It also fits snugly into the lower portion of the knot formation.
Beads
Jade, wood, porcelain, glass, metal and plastic beads, even love beans or fruit cores, can inject life into a knotted arrangement, their different colors, shapes, sizes and brightness adding variations and highlights. In diagram 45, green and blue beads have been added by simply pulling the cord ends through the beads at the top and bottom of the main knot, with the cords then knotted to hold them in place. Beads are also effective inserted in the outer loops of a knot, as shown in diagram 46.
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