Ningbo: Chines style in the small fishing village— knotted Chinese buttons

Throughout Chinese history, each dynasty has its own symbolized costume and forms a unique costume culture, such as the Chinese cheongsam. At the same time, the knotted Chinese buttons also developed from belt into a byproduct of cheongsam which combines both practical use and decoration, therefore, a unique handicraft technique was developed.

In a small fishing village named Shipu in Ningbo City, China’s southeast Zhejiang Province, there is a Yugang ancient town. Walking along the narrow lane paved with stone, it is like stepping into a costal culture Museum. Among the a few museums, one named “Knotted Chinese Buttons” is quite exquisite, where exhibits more than 600 types with more than 1,000 knotted buttons.

The tiny buttons are embodied with unique and profound traditional Chinese culture. The knotted button is a kind of button which is used in traditional Chinese costume to fix clothes or decorations.The knotted button is developed from the ancient “knot”.In ancient times, people knot the belt to keep clothes fit their bodies. In addition, the knot symbolizes good wishes and blessings in Chinese people’s heart.