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.
most of the papercut artists are women.the themes of their works usually include everything in people's daily life from dumb things to the surroundings.familiarity makes them understand the real spirit of the art.
the main tool for papercut is scissors.once they are owned by a master of papercut,they will do so well that they become so supernatural and their papercuts are 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.
no doubt that arts come from life and serve life.papercuts are very popular in the countryside.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.and people like to decorate their windows and doors using colorful papercuts of different shapes and sizes whether they be birds,animals or flowers.
in different parts of china,people young or old find hope and comfort in expressing wishes with paper cuttings.for example:for a wedding ceremony,red paper cuttings are a traditional and required decoration on the tea set,the dressing table glass,and on other furniture.a big red paper character 'xi' (happiness) is a traditional must on the newlywed's door.upon the birthday party of a senior,the character 'shou' represents longevity and will add delight to the whole celebration; while a pattern of plump children cuddling fish signifies that every year they will be abundant in wealth.
the paper-cut is one of chinese most popular folk art,may trace thea.d.for six centuries according to archaeology its history,but thepeople thought its reality starts the time to compare this also tohave early several hundred years.paper-cut commonly used to religiousrite,aspect and so on decoration and plastic arts.
in past,the people make the dissimilar in shape and form physicalimage and the portrait after the commonly used paper,buries togetherwith the dead or at the funeral burns,this custom beyond the borderchina sometimes still obviously.paper-cut art generally all has thesymbolic significance,also is a this kind of ceremony part; inaddition the paper-cut also serves as the sacrificial offeringancestor and the deity uses the offering the widget.
because its material is probably easy,the cost inexpensive,theeffect stands sees,the adaption surface is broad and generally iswelcome; because it most suits the rural women leisure manufacture,both may do practical,and may beautify the life.each place all cansee the paper-cut,even has formed the different place style school.the paper-cut not only has displayed populace's esthetic hobby,and holding nationality's social in-depth psychology,also is china mosthas one of characteristic people skills,its modelling characteristicespecially is worth studying.
