Chen points out that knotting techniques date back to the earliest period of Chinese history. The Book of Changes describes how people once regulated their behavior by means of knotted cords. It was only later that Chinese characters were invented and the laws were written down. At one time, the art of knotting cords was known as "rules initiated by the few and later adopted by all." Knotwork was practiced over a period of several thousand years in Chinese history. Contact with Western technology, however, inevitably led to the art's decline. Fortunately, a few people, such as Yao Meng-chia, associate art editor of Echo magazine, have kept the art alive, and helped to inspire Chen.

Also an established painter, Yao holds the macrame art in high regard. "Knots connect the two Chinas of the past and today. By recording daily events, the knots of old represent the wisdom of our ancestors," he said.

An article entitled "Ornaments of Ornaments" appearing in the Echo magazine in 1976, persuaded Chen to devote herself to Chinese macrame. She recalled how during her girlhood in southern China, women used to chat while they were embroidering, knotting, sewing shoes and spinning cloth. This first inspired her interest in needlework; her enthusiasm for knot-making came when she worked at the National Palace Museum in Taipei.

Ten years ago, Chen was persuaded by her husband's parents to learn knotting techniques from Wang Cheng-kai, a skilled craftsman at the museum. From then on knot-making became an indispensable part of her life. After learning the eight basic knots from Yao, she expanded them to 11 after studying old articles, books and antiques. Now she is without peer in the field.

She likes to recall how on one occasion she worked all night to master a particularly difficult butterfly knot. Using only a pattern, and having no written instructions, she had to adopt a trial and error method. When she finally triumphed, she forgot her weariness. Chen's perseverance and interest in knot-making have been the two main factors in her success. She not only works hard to practice different ways to tie established knots, but also succeeds in inventing new ones herself. She buys thread in different shades and sizes to experiment on their effects.

Among products made by Chen are decorations for such items as ju yi scepters, jade pendants, hairpins, sachets, fans, paintings, window shades and scrolls, many of which she gives to her friends, thereby propagating knowledge of the art.

When the Shih Chien Home Economics College started a macrame class in 1978, Chen was appointed professor. She devoted most of her time and energy to this traditional Chinese art, which was a new subject at the time. In the past three years, many students, tourists and others have learned knotting techniques from her. One of Chen's most unforgettable experiences occurred when an elderly German couple asked her to decorate a jade sculpture they particularly treasured, with her knotwork. Their praise for the finished work continues to be an inspiration, Chen says.

She explained that traditional Chinese macrame is a combination harmonizing colors and knots with the objects to which they are attached. The best knotwork design brings out the beauty and meaning of an ornament.

Chen said she intends to continue the promotion of this traditional folk art through writing more works on its special charms and the skills required to execute it.

[Picture Caption]

1. Delicate and beautiful Chinese macrame can be used to decorate homes. 2. 3. & 4. The beauty of earthenware is enhanced by knots in various colors. 5. Chen Hsia-sheng's Chinese macrame.

1. Simple color contrasts are used to achieve refinement in design. 2. Women in ancient times wore knotwear items as an adornment. 3. The "Kao Sheng I Pin", insignia of the highest-ranking officials in ancient times, depicts a white crane flying over purple clouds, and is regarded as a good omen. 4. & 5. Necklaces can be made by stringing small jade pendants and other fine ornaments on to a knotted string.

1. Macrame has a wide range of applications. 2. Elegant Chinese macrame-style buttons. 3.4. & 5. Fans, palace lanterns and hairpins are more elegant with silk tassels attached. 6.& 7. Ladies' vanity bags are beautified by knotted decorations, as are the traditional ju yi scepters.

The beauty of earthenware is enhanced by knots in various colors.

The beauty of earthenware is enhanced by knots in various colors.

The beauty of earthenware is enhanced by knots in various colors.

Chen Hsia-sheng's Chinese macrame.

Simple color contrasts are used to achieve refinement in design.

Women in ancient times wore knotwear items as an adornment.

The "Kao Sheng I Pin", insignia of the highest-ranking officials in ancient times, depicts a white crane flying over purple clouds, and is regarded as a good omen.

Necklaces can be made by stringing small jade pendants and other fine ornaments on to a knotted string.

Necklaces can be made by stringing small jade pendants and other fine ornaments on to a knotted string.

Macrame has a wide range of applications.

Elegant Chinese macrame-style buttons.

Fans, palace lanterns and hairpins are more elegant with silk tassels attached.

Fans, palace lanterns and hairpins are more elegant with silk tassels attached.

Fans, palace lanterns and hairpins are more elegant with silk tassels attached.

Ladies' vanity bags are beautified by knotted decorations, as are the traditional ju yi scepters.

Ladies' vanity bags are beautified by knotted decorations, as are the traditional ju yi scepters.