The paper-cut art is a
unique visual art of Chinese handicrafts. Its history can be traced
back to the 6th century. The cutting tool are very sample: paper and
scissors or an engraving knife. Although the tool are different, but
the creation of works of art is basic and same, collectively known as
the paper-cut. The carrier can be paper, gold foil, bark, leaves,
cloth, leather and other sheet materials. Usually, red paper is very
common for paper cutting. They were used during festivals to decorate
windows and gates. The craftspeople are remarkably good at cutting in
theme of daily life.
It is easy to learn about
cutting a piece of paper but very difficult to master it with
perfection. One must grasp the knife in an upright fashion and press
evenly on the paper with some strength. Flexibility is required but
any hesitation or wiggling will lead to damage the whole image.
Engravers stress the cutting lines in several styles. They attempt to
carve a circle like the moon, a straight line like a stem of wheat, a
square like a brick, and jaggedly like the beard.
People find hope and
comfort in expressing wishes with paper cuttings.
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| “ 喜喜 ” XI (happiness) |
“ 喜喜 ”
For a wedding ceremony, red paper-cuts are a traditional and required decoration on the gate, the dressing table glass, and on other furniture. A big red paper character 'Xi' (happiness) is a traditional must on the newlywed's door. It is believed that this paper-cut will bring the new couple happiness.
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| " 寿 " shou (longevity) |
“寿”
At a birthday party of a
senior, paper-cuts with the character 'Shou' are often seen. It
represents longevity and will add delight to the whole celebration.
“ 福 ”
During the Spring Festival,
the character “Fu” is pasted upside down on the door to express
people's wish for the coming of happiness.
 |
| " 福 " Fu (wish for the coming of happiness) |
Chinese people believe that
red paper-cuts on the door can bring good luck and happiness to the
whole family.
They're so pretty!! Whenever I see someone holding one of these, I always think they'll rip between their fingers o(╥﹏╥)o
ReplyDeleteHaha...!!! You can try it. It's fun to do it.
DeleteWhy such a strong emphasis on red paper? Just curious.
ReplyDeleteAll the color in Chinese culture have different meaning, specially, RED. This color symbolizes luck, happiness and is believed to ward away evil. If you pay attention on Chines traditional festival, you will see we use red very very very often!!!
DeleteGood Idea, it tell reader how can do something useful. The Art of paper work famous in the world and in Asia east be special there. You chose Sample easy to do by people and your explained is clear.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteXinxin--Good new entries. Interesting and well-developed. Good.
ReplyDeleteI love Chinese paper cutting. I brought a book of it home! And definitely a few things with "double happiness" on it! Thanks for sharing about the art form.
Thanks.
Delete