蔡嘉欣

 一门“欣丝”

名字：蔡嘉欣 CHAI JIA XIN

鉴赏项目：中国结

语录：丝丝结结，一见倾“欣”

中国结的介绍   Introduction of Chinese Knot

       中国结是从汉朝的绳结记事的发展而来的，直到清朝中国结才真正成为民间艺术。中国结的历史久远。在当代的时候，中国结都是被用作装饰室内、赠送给亲友的礼物及个人的随身饰物。中国结象征了好预兆、团结、幸福、平安，因此而深受大众的喜爱。而且在以前古时候随处都可见中国结的所在。中国结所使用的材料是红线。线条在中国结里扮演着很重要的角色，这样才能够凸显出该作品的特色。作品多数都是依靠一条线编制而成的。中国结是以 “形” 和“意”来命名。最常见的中国结有盘长结、吉祥结、蝴蝶结等等。我的三种作品，有吉祥结、小蝴蝶以及心形手链。          

           The Chinese Knot came from the ‘Knotted Chronicle’ of the Han Dynasty, it became folk art when it came to the Qing Dynasty. At that time, the Chinese Knot was used for decorations, gifts for friends and family and also it can be personal accessories too. Chinese Knot symbolizes good omen, unity, happiness, peace, therefore it is deeply loved by the public. In the past, the Chinese Knot could be seen everywhere.  The material for making the Chinese Knot is red threads. The line has been playing a great role in Chinese Knot, so it can show the uniqueness of an artwork. Most of the Chinese Knots just only need one thread to be done. Chinese Knots’ names are given based on the ‘shape’ and ‘meaning’. The most common Chinese Knots are Pan Chang Knot, Ji Xiang Knot, Butterfly Knot and so on.  My masterpieces are Ji Xiang Knot, Butterfly Knot and Heart-Shaped Bracelet.

 

 鉴赏与心得 Appreciation

       我觉得中国结有趣的地方除了是在编制出美丽的结外，还有就是它那特别的寓意。中国结带出来的美，也是体现了先秦的线条之美。这都是接着所编制的线条体现出了中国结的形式美、装饰美。以上的作品如吉祥结就如名字一样，大吉大利，吉祥如意也是古老的结式。小蝴蝶结则象征着伴侣间的忠诚和自由自在。据说若有人经常在自己家院子里有人看见蝴蝶在飞翔，那就表示家里有人即将会有桃花运、升官的吉祥预兆。最后一个作品是心形手链。我自身也给作品取了名字叫做 “掌上明珠”。这是因为我个人认为这个手链的爱心外有个绳子护着爱心，象征着老一辈呵护晚辈，把小孩放在掌心疼一样。不难理解，其实中国结不仅仅是个吉祥物品或装饰品，它同时也是个符号。中国结真的是一个很奇妙的民间艺术。我打从心里赞叹古时候人们的巧手编制的中国结以及他们想象出来的美好寓意。而且中国结也一直流传至今，很广泛地被人流传着。我也希望中国结这个民间艺术能够一直流传下去，以让我们的下一代也能够看见与了解中国结的独特与美。

        在编制中国结的过程中，我发现到有些作品看似简单但是却真的很考功夫。尤其是当我在编织心形手链的时候，真的很考验耐心和感到费神。编制中国结贵在坚持，才让我学有所成。同时也提醒了我坚持到底的重要性，才能够把一件事情做好。

I think the most interesting thing about the Chinese Knot is the special meaning of it despite making a beautiful knot.  The exquisite Chinese Knot has reflected the aesthetic of the line from Dynasty Qin. All of these reflect the beauty of form and decoration of Chinese knots through the lines we have compiled. The masterpiece above such as Ji Xiang Knot is just like its name, it represents good luck. Butterfly Knot symbolizes loyalty between lovers and freedom. It is said that if someone saw butterflies flying around that means someone will experience luck in love and a good sign of getting a promotion.  The last masterpiece of mine is the Heart-Shaped Bracelet. I named this masterpiece ‘A Pearl in the Palm’. This is because I think that lines are covering the heart shape inside and it is symbolized as elders’ care for the younger generation.  Chinese Knot is not only an auspicious item or decoration, but it is also a symbol at the same time.  Chinese Knot is such an amazing folk art. I deeply admired the people in the past who had skilful hands and the beautiful meaning they imagined.  Chinese Knot has been inherited since ancient times until now. I hope this folk art can be continuously passed down so that our future generation can see and understand the uniqueness of the Chinese Knot.

            During the process of making Chinese Knot, I realized that some of my masterpieces are really hard to make. Especially when I was making the heart-shaped bracelet, it was quite challenging my patience and I felt exhausted.  The preparation of the Chinese knot is based on persistence and it has made me successful in learning.  At the same time, it reminds me of the importance of persistence in order to achieve something.