TRADITIONAL TASSEL CRAFT
Sept. 1,2024
Chinese traditional tassel craft is a decorative art with a long history and exquisite craftsmanship. With its unique shape and elegant beauty, tassels occupy an important place in ancient Chinese traditional culture and art.
The origin of the tassel can be traced back to an important ancient hair ornament called the "Buyao." According to the "Zhonghua Gujin Zhu," *"殷后服盘龙步摇"* (*"The queen wore a Buyao with dragon motifs"*), indicating that the Buyao originated during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, around the same time as the emergence of tassels. Initially, the tassel was a pendant-like ornament attached to the Buyao, but over time, it was applied to other decorative items such as carriages, pavilions, curtains, flags, as well as crowns and clothing, forming distinctive decorative elements.
The materials for making tassels are diverse, including colorful feathers, silk threads, gold, jade, coral, glass, amber, crystal, and more. In ancient times, tassels made from feathers and silk threads were the most common. They were not only brightly colored but also lightweight and elegant, offering aesthetic enjoyment. With the passage of time, the materials for making tassels have continued to evolve. Metal chains, fabric strips, leather, and other materials are now used, leading to a greater variety of tassel styles.
In ancient Chinese culture, tassels not only served a decorative function but also carried rich cultural symbolism. Different forms of tassels often signified the wearer's status and wealth. For example, the front and rear pendant-like tassels on the emperor's crown, known as "mianliu," were a high-status tassel decoration. These were crafted by threading beads and jade with colored silk. The emperor's crown had twelve tassels in the front and twelve in the back, each containing twelve beads, symbolizing the emperor's dignity and authority.
Furthermore, tassels are often associated with emotions such as love and longing. In ancient poetry, tassels are frequently used to evoke the tenderness and beauty of women. For instance, phrases like *"The smoke of the stove faintly passes through the tassel curtain"* and *"The fragrant lamp partially rolls up the tassel curtain"* create a lingering, evocative atmosphere, showcasing the charm of tassels.
Over time, while being passed down through generations, tassel craft has continued to innovate and evolve. In modern society, tassels are widely used in clothing, home decoration, handicrafts, and other areas. Designers incorporate tassel elements into various designs with creative ideas and refined craftsmanship, giving tassels new vitality. As people's interest in and appreciation for traditional culture deepen, tassel craft is expected to enjoy broader inheritance and development in the future.