Chinese Knot-Making Workshop

1882 FOUNDATION, MUZI LI ROWE, FIONA K. LAU
CHINESE KNOT-MAKING WORKSHOP

Workshop 1: Friday, June 12, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Workshop 2: Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM

Join us for a Chinese knot-making workshop for cultural celebration and historical reflection.

Chinese knotting (中国结) is an ancient form of folk art that is typically made with fabric cords and is used as festive decoration. Traditionally made from cotton and silk cords, various cord materials can be used to make these intricate designs, including nylon, hemp, waxed cotton, leather, and more. In conjunction with Fiona K. Lau’s After Nature exhibit, we are invited to re-examine our relationship with surrounding physical goods through repurposing their use. In a time where more increasingly feels less, we are reminded that we already have the resources we want around us. Whether it be old cables or cut-up yoga mats, this workshop aims to bring a different sense of life to discarded, forgotten, or menial objects.

These three-hour workshops will include a brief history of Chinese knotting, live demonstrations on knot designs, and the opportunity for attendees to make their own décor. The four designs illustrated will be Double Connection Knot, Cloverleaf Knot, Button Knot and Four-Squared Pan Chang (Endless) Knot, important basic knots that are the building blocks of many designs. Each knot is made unique with each maker’s design, as just knowing a couple single and supplementary knots can result in unlimited possibilities of combinations. Written instruments and book recommendations will be provided for further interest and creation.

Tools and materials will be provided, including nylon cords for construction. Attendees are heavily encouraged to source materials made available to them, as these knots can be made from a vast variety of materials. Bring any type of long string material (25” or more) with a minimum diameter of 1⁄8” (paracord, guitar strap, ropes, belts, wired headphones, etc.) to the workshop to experiment!

Admission is free and RSVP is required. Light refreshments and drinks will be available.

Tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chinese-knot-making-workshop-tickets-1989965719034

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Muzi Li Rowe is an interdisciplinary artist working across photography, sculpture, installation, and drawing. Her practice investigates the relationship between technology, consumerism and cultural heritage through the use of electronic waste and obsolete technologies. Since 2022, Li Rowe has incorporated Chinese knotting into her artistic practice as a means of reconnecting with her cultural roots. Using defunct cables such as ethernet cords, charging cables, and wired headphones, she creates contemporary sculptural works implementing techniques from this traditional folk art. Through this labor-intensive process, she explores the physical and temporal experience of navigating between cultures while reflecting on life in a world shaped by advancing technology, excessive consumption, and waste.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Fiona K. Lau is a Sacramento-based painter whose work explores the relationships of land, environment, and belonging. Born in British Hong Kong and raised in Canada, she worked extensively in environmental research and international public health. Her practice is deeply influenced by experiences of shifting cultures and a background in scientific training, creating layered works that bridge different realms of experience to reveal tensions and hidden constructs. She is a member of Axis Gallery and the recipient of the 2025 Creative Growth Fellowship awarded by the City of Sacramento’s Office of Arts and Culture.

For more information about After Nature, visit https://www.fionaklau.com/newsevents.html

ABOUT 1882 Foundation

Based in Sacramento and Washington D.C., 1882 Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to highlight the stories, impacts, and lingering legacies of the Chinese Exclusion Acts. Through narrative public programming and educational materials, 1882 focuses on expanding the public awareness of Chinese American experience and history.

Learn more here: https://1882foundation.org