Celtic Knotwork

The origin of Celtic knot work:

Celtic knot work is nothing but an elaborate display of endless knots. The very intriguing work flaunts a variety of endless knots for decoration. The ancient Celts developed the art and handed down graphical representations of the knots for the purpose of decoration. These designs and decorations were adopted by the Celts to symbolise the mysticism that surrounded rituals and relationships. There is not much known about the history of these knots prior to the influence of Christianity on the Celts. The history dates all the way back to A.D. 450. The knots are fine examples of the best geometrical patterns and was mainly showcased as ornamentation for exquisite jewelry.

Surviving displays of celtic knot work:

The celtic knot work is displayed on many pre-Christian and early Christian manuscripts and artwork. Interestingly, historians have observed that the celtic knot work depicted life forms like plants and animals, and humans of course. On closer observation, the knot work comprises patterns that are intricately interwoven cords. Similar art work has also been unearthed in Italy. The earliest example of true celtic knot work designs is preserved at the Durham Library in Britain. It is said to adorn a fragment of the Gospel in the authentic Celtic manner.

The ‘exchange route’ of the celtic knot work:

The exquisite plaitwork is a series of woven, unbroken cord designs. The art dates back much before the knotwork designs credited to any other cultures around the world. The art involves strands of broken and reconnected plaitwork that is also observed in the knotwork that originated in Italy and later spread to Ireland. Although called the celtic knot work, the style was also practiced and flaunted to a great extent in England. On record is the fact that the art was exported to Europe via Ireland. This makes sense of the connectivity established between the celtic knot work and the national identity of Ireland and Scotland.

Understanding the significance of celtic knot work :

Historians believe that there are eight identified elementary knots in the art work and these form the basis of practically all the interlaced patterns. Although propagated as symbolic, the Celtic decorative art provides little or no concrete evidence towards the patterns flaunting specific religious or philosophical significance. Symbolic or not, the celtic knot work is a clasic example of the intricate work by humans, reflecting the intricacy of nature. There are quite a few who believe that the creation and preservation of celtic knots gifts magical properties! Different beliefs, different people; however, it cannot be denied that the celtic knot work seems like magic alright!

Finest displays of celtic knot work:

The patterns can be viewed on many decorative items such as bowls, cups and torcs. The intricate patterns by the ancient smiths still enchant the beholder. There are a number of different methods of creating celtic knot work and each is designed to have its own advantages and disadvantages. The finest displays of the art are basically patterns that are project and preference specific. Genuine celtic knot work has a number of features that speak for the authenticity. The celtic knot work displays three and four cord-work that is methodically and meticulously woven to perfection. The intricacy of the art involves creating a pattern that involves repeating the various possibilities in the right sequence. The entire process of first creating and then duplicating the squares and subsequently the pattern is what makes the art unique.

Variations of celtic knot work:

The methodology applied to the creation of celtic knot work results in many interesting knots, motifs and zoomorphics. One of the very interesting variations is the double interlacing Celtic cross. The Celtic knots are the best known motifs in jewelry and art, body and otherwise. The exclusive and delicate twists and turns are flaunted in stone art and tattoos. While there are many Celtic symbols, the truth remains that many of the purported meanings of the symbols are made up most of the time!