decorative knot

Image:Knot Monkey Fist.jpg

A decorative or ornamental knot (also fancy knot{{cite book | last = Owen | first = Peter | title = The Book of Decorative Knots | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=lnr-ATR5po4C&q=decorative+knot&pg=PA6 | access-date = 2010-02-18 | year = 1994 | publisher = Globe Pequot | isbn = 978-1-55821-304-3 | page = 6}}) is an often complex knot exhibiting repeating patterns. A decorative knot is generally a knot that not only has practical use but is also known for its aesthetic or ornamental qualities.[https://books.google.com/books?id=lnr-ATR5po4C&dq=decorative+knot&pg=PA125 Owen (1994), p.125.] Access date: 2010-02-18. "They can be used for practical purposes or pure decoration. Often originating from maritime use, "decorative knots are not only serviceable and functional but also enhance the ship-shape appearance of any vessel."Owen (1994), p.11. Decorative knots may be used alone or in combination,Owen, Peter (2003). The Ultimate Book of Knots: More Than Two-Hundred Practical and Decorative Knots, p.493. Globe Pequot. {{ISBN|9781592281602}}. and may consist of single or multiple strands.Penn, Randy (2004). The Everything Knots Book: Step-By-Step Instructions for Tying Any Knot, p.189. Everything Books. {{ISBN|9781440522772}}.Randall, Peter (2012). The Craft of the Knot: From Fishing Knots to Bowlines and Bends, a Practical Guide to Knot Tying and Usage, p.29. Adams Media. {{ISBN|9781440552502}}.

{{quote|Though the word decorative sometimes implies that little or no function is served, the craft of decorative knot tying generally combines both form and function.}}

Coxcombing is decorative knotwork performed by sailors during the Age of Sail to dress-up, protect, or help identify specific items and parts of ships and boats.