Paper cutting is a traditional art in China which has been making its way along the route of the long history
of paper. The kind of art went after the invention of paper in Han Dynasty, once became one of the main form
of arts, and was popular to the people of the time; even in royal families ladies were also judged by the
ability at papercut.
The main tool for papercut is scissors. Once they are owned by a master of papercut, they will become
so supernatural that the papercuts beyond imagination flow out of his/her hands in the chattering of
a common pair of scissors. Another tool for paper cutting is engraving knives which are necessary to
enhance a sharpened effect or to make a delicate job.
Paper and scissors are the usual materials utilized, but sometimes an engraving knife is used. Papercuts
are all hand-made. There are two common practices for making papercuts: scissors- and knife-cutting techniques.
In the first technique, about eight paper strips are fastened together to form a pattern. The artist cuts the
motif with a pair of sharp, pointed scissors to attain the desired pattern. Knife cutting, on the other hand,
is where the artist puts several layers of paper on a relatively soft foundation consisting of a mixture of
tallow and ashes. The artist then holds a sharp knife vertically and cuts the motif out of the paper by
following a pattern. More papercuts are made with the knife-cutting technique rather than scissors since it is
less time consuming.
Paper-cut is a popular folk art craft in china . Boasting for rich contents, compact structures and smooth
lines, china paper-cuts are deeply rooted in people's daily life.
No doubt that arts come from life and serve life. The bright colors of red, green or light blue papercuts
provide a strong foil to set off a merry atmosphere. So they are often found in wedding ceremonies or
festivals in China.
Papercuts are rich in content. The auspicious designs symbolize good luck and the avoidance of evil. The
child, lotus and bottle gourd designs suggest a family with a large number of children and grandchildren.
Domestic birds, livestock, fruit, fish and worms are also familiar objects depicted by Chinese farmers.
There are some special papercuts of traditional design used as patterns for embroidering clothes, shoes,
hats, pillows, bed curtains and door curtains.
Papercuts can also be used as ornaments on gates, windows, walls, columns, mirrors, lamps and lanterns. They
are still widely used today at important festivals, especially during the New Year. They are still widely used
today at important festivals, especially during the New Year. It is very important to put papercuts at the
entrance gates for good luck for the family.
Papercuts made in different areas have different characteristics. Shaanxi window papercuts are simple and
bold; papercuts from Hebei Province and Shanxi Province are bright in color; papercuts in southern provinces
are delicate and fine.
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