The art of cutting paper in China probably dates from the 2nd century AD, because the paper was invented by Cai Lun in the Eastern Han Dynasty in China. As paper becomes more affordable, paper cutting becomes one of the most important types of Chinese folk art. Later, this art form spread to other parts of the world, with different regions adopting their own cultural style. Because cut-outs are often used to decorate doors and windows, they are sometimes referred to as chu? Ng hu? (??), window flower or window cutting . People pressed bits of paper out the window, so that the light from within would shine through the negative space of the piece. Usually, artwork is made of red paper, because red is associated with celebration and happiness in Chinese culture, but other colors are also used. Usually paper-cut artwork is used at festivals such as the Spring Festival, marriage and childbirth. Papercuts always symbolize luck and happiness.
Video Chinese paper cutting
Origin
Chinese paper pruning comes from ancient activities worshiping ancestors and gods, and is a traditional part of Chinese culture. According to archaeological records, it dates from the 6th century, though some believe that its history can be traced back to the American War period (about 3 BC), long before the paper was found. At that time, people used other thin materials, such as leaves, silver paper, silk and even leather, to carve out hollow patterns. Later, when the paper was discovered, people realized that this material was easy to cut, stored and discarded, and paper became the main ingredient for this type of artwork. During the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912), this art witnessed the most prosperous period. For over a thousand years, people (especially women) have been making pieces of paper as part of recreational activities. They create different kinds of paper cuts and share and hand over these traditional skills to their children, so this traditional art style is becoming more popular and still practiced today.
Paper is a kind of combustible and rotten material. In southeast China, it usually rains in May and June, which makes paper fungus and rot quickly. As a result, people in the southeast do not keep it, and it is difficult to find paper cuts since then. In contrast, the weather in northwestern China is usually dry, allowing to find paper cuts made in the Northern dynasty in Turpan, Sinkiang province.
When the paper cuts are lowered into the Tang dynasty, the craft skills become mature. Paper cutting is not only a kind of crafts, but also works of art, because it can express ideas through patterns. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, paper cuts have peaked. The cutting of folk paper spreads to a wider range and has a rich means of artistic expression. Paper cutting is used to decorate doors, windows and walls to show happiness and festivals.
Maps Chinese paper cutting
Classification
Paper cutting is one of the oldest and most popular folk art in China. Geographically it can be divided into southern and northern styles. The southern style, represented by works from Yangzhou in Jiangsu Province and Leqing in Zhejiang Province, has an ingenious and beautiful design, beautiful carvings and interesting shapes. The northern style, mainly from Yuxian and Fengning in Hebei Province and well represented by works from northern Shaanxi, features exaggerated forms, excitement, clear imagery and diverse patterns.
The cutting style of window paper is usually free, except the flower pattern in the corner. The theme of window-cutting has a wide variety, the most popular being based on traditional Chinese opera stories. Since most buyers are farmers, the contents of the window piece usually depict farming, spinning, fishery and poultry farming.
Symmetry
There is a basic piece, consisting of a single drawing, and a symmetrical design, which is usually made by several folds above the proportional fold, and then cuts the shape, so that when folded, it forms a symmetrical design. Chinese paper pieces are usually symmetrical. Paper cuts usually in even number of series 2, 4, 24 etc.
Usage
Today, the pieces of paper are very decorative. They turn on walls, windows, doors, columns, mirrors, lamps and lanterns at home and are also used on gifts or given as gifts themselves. Pieces of paper taped to or near the entrance should bring good luck. Pieces of paper are used for use as a pattern, especially for embroidery work and lacquers. Papercuts are used by young people as decorations for their kits and books.
Paper cutting is mostly used as a decoration, or aesthetic way to express the hope, gratitude, and emotions of others. With scissors that cut off a piece of red paper, the pieces of paper have a simple but exaggerated beauty. Clearly defined pieces of paper have different meanings. Some express a desire for a harvest or a rich life, such as a piece of paper from a golden harvest, a growing pet, a good fortune, a surplus year or a goldfish jumping over a dragon gate (traditional Chinese story, showing a better leap toward life); some depict animals and plants, such as pieces of paper from polecats, lions, kylins (Chinese mythical creatures), jade bunnies (animals of Chinese legend), pomegranates and peonies; some illustrate the legendary figures or scenes of myths or traditional stories, such as the Yellow Emperor paper strip, the Niulang and Zhinv meetings and 24 stories of filial piety; and others show people's gratitude towards life, such as cuttings of paper dolls with two curved hairs on each side of the head, fish swimming through the lotus and dishes. (A strong spirit for life can be easily seen from the scraps of women's papers)
The most famous paper-cutting character in Chinese is "?" ( fÃÆ'º , which means 'lucky') and "?" (x?, meaning 'double happiness'). Even today, Chinese people love to hang paper from these two characters at their door. "?" usually used during the Lunar New Year Festival, indicating people's wishes for the year of good luck. "?" often can be seen in new window or door of bride.
The cutting of window paper has a close relationship with Spring starts, as it is a way to welcome spring since ancient times in China. In many parts of China, especially in the North, when spring arrives, people like to put pieces of paper in the window to express their happiness. Since Song and Yuan Dynasty, people have turned the time to the Spring Festival to welcome the Chinese New Year. Through chopping paper on the windows, people decorate their homes to show their joy, happiness, and goodwill.
Process
There are two methods of making: one using scissors, the other using a knife. In the scissors method, several sheets of paper - up to eight - are tied together. The motive is then cut with sharp and pointed scissors.
A knife cut is made by laying several layers of paper on a relatively soft foundation composed of a mixture of fat and ash. Following the pattern, the artist cuts the motive onto the paper with a sharp knife that is usually held vertically. Skilled craftsmen can even cut different images freely without stopping.
See also
- Chinese Art
- Chinese folk art
- Chinese paper folders
- Kirigami
- Leaf carving
- Paper cutting
- Wycinanki
References
- Zhang Shuxian. Chinese People's Paper Cutting [J]. China Today (Chinese version), 2005, (05)
- Zhuang Zhiyun. People's Paper Cutting [J]. Chuang Zuo Ping Tan, 2006, (02)
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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