Living here in the US, we have little access to extant pieces, but I was wondering if anyone in Europe has seen or photographed pictures of knotwork pre-1600? Rumor has it the Bayeux Tapestry was finished with macrame to secure the fibers. The heraldric flourishes on the borders of manuscripts seem to show up on Tshirts, and the Book of Kells has images like this below. I was wondering if anyone has any pictures of actual knotwork from this long ago and/or some documentation for working decoratively in cord… I recently had a discussion with a calligrapher who said ‘those can’t be tied.’ and after tying one or two from her samples..she said that they wouldn’t have tied them because its easier to just draw or carve the patterns… looking for help guy and gals 
Thanks,
Matt
http://www.regent.edu/general/library/about_the_library/news_publications/images/book%20of%20kells1.png
from: http://www.regent.edu/general/library/about_the_library/news_publications/2006_03.cfm
well i’m in Schleswig-Holstein - North Germany - at the moment so if ur research turns up anything here I can probably get to it to snap a couple of photos. Having visited a couple of old castles I have seen some old examples of knot work but nothing super-spectacular. If I find a good stash on display somewhere I’ll let you know. Many of the castles here are a thousand years old, or even older, and often are used as museums or displays to pay for their upkeep. I’m guessing most of the good stuff is in the South - Bavaria und so - but they may be a few pieces floating around here… many sailbuilding yards too…
thats where I’m stuck. I’ve looked at woodcuts and such from the 14th century and a few before. They are all keen on showing the knots in borders and architecture, but I’ve yet to see any seamen or farmers tying knots at all…
Its a question of proving what they represent in media existed in reality.
This is an article from 1907 showing 6 engraved knots not previously published by Leonardo Da Vinci. In my search for knot history, I was hoping someone has access. Shot in the dark, but does anyone have a JSTOR account? From the read, its something a librarian:
This is the link I am hoping to get: http://www.jstor.org/pss/857224
Here is what I know about it:
You are viewing the first page/citation. Full-text access may be available if you are affiliated with a participating library or publisher. Check access options or login if you have an account.
http://index.burlington.org.uk/search/result
* Download as PDF (requires JSTOR subscription)
*
Related Names:
o (author) Hind, Arthur M. (Hind, Arthur M.; Hind, A. M.; H., A. M.; Hind, Arthur Mayger)
*
Subjects (names and terms):
o (artists) Leonardo da Vinci
o (artists) D?rer, Albrecht
o (dates) 1480-1519
o (places) Italy / Germany
o (subjects) Prints / Geometric patterns / Decorative arts / Drawings / Renaissance
*
Illustrations:
o (attributed works) Profile Bust of a Young Woman by Leonardo da Vinci[?]. Engravings after Designs by Leonardo da Vinci
o (attributed works) Profile Bust of a Young Woman with a Garland after Leonardo da Vinci[?]. Engravings after Designs by Leonardo da Vinci
o (attributed works) "Knot" after Leonardo da Vinci. Engravings after Designs by Leonardo da Vinci
o (attributed works) "Knot" after Leonardo da Vinci. Engravings after Designs by Leonardo da Vinci
Hi Mystic
Have a look at the Sutton Hoo Buckle and the other finds from that site
http://www.britishmuseum.org/images/ps199011_l.jpg
It is worked in gold to depict an intricate knot tied in tooled leather thong. At least it seems that way to a knot tyer - but to the ‘experts’ at the British Museum, it depicts creatures - snakes, dragons, dogs, etc. When I tried to discuss this with them they blew out smoke and re-quoted the standard chapter and verse.
So now you know - they are not knots, they are animals…
Derek
image from http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/pe_mla/g/gold_belt_buckle_from_the_ship.aspx
Those are really cool, and I’m staggered that someone built that knot. I saw the drawing, but to see someone make it, holy cow! What I am looking for at the moment is specifically proof of these comments on other websites: "The origin of the Turks Head Knot is buried in history. Leonardo da Vinci drew them in the 15th Century, " from http://www.shurdington.org/Scouts/TurksHead.htm
this is only a representative sample, there are at least 4 sites with a similar comment but none provide a bibliographic or graphical proof that Davnci drew one. I am the last person to put forth a comment like that without something to back it up. Anyone know what sketch/painting is being referenced?
thanks
matt