Paper Cutting

Paper Cutting

Paper cutting is a folk art that involves using scissors or art knives to cut patterns and scenes in paper for decorative purposes or to convey specific meanings.

Before paper was invented, people used thin materials such as gold or silver foil to carve hollowed patterns to make art. The earliest written record of paper cutting in ancient China dates back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 B.C.) when King Cheng of Zhou cut a parasol tree leaf into the shape of a jade gui (a ritual jade that symbolized statues). After the Northern and Southern dynasties (420-589), paper cutting gradually gained in popularity among the people, and various paper cutting works with complete compositions and utilizing different techniques came into existence. During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), different types of paper cuts were created, including those used to adorn windows, lanterns, and tea cups. The art of paper cutting reached its peak in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1616-1911) dynasties. Paper cuts were used to decorate almost anything, especially for interior decor. In modern times, especially since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the contents of paper cutting have been enriched, incorporating the everyday life and work of all walks of life and folk customs as common themes.

The art of paper cutting is known for its ability to combine images of various objects to represent different meanings and express good wishes. For example, cranes and pine trees are symbols of longevity, while patterns of babies, gourds (which sound similar to the Chinese characters fu and lu, meaning "happiness" and "good fortune"), and lotus flowers symbolize blessings and fertility. During the Spring Festival, it is common to use paper cuts of the Chinese zodiac animal of that year to decorate windows. Gradually, colored paper-cutting made with shading and dyeing methods has emerged, making the art of paper cutting more expressive. The art has developed different schools and styles. The northern school is bold and unconstrained, while the southern school is graceful and elegant.

The art of paper cutting has continued to evolve. It has been integrated into the social life of all ethnic groups, becoming an integral part of various folk activities. It is also an important folk handicraft. In 2009, Chinese paper-cutting was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

剪纸艺术

剪纸是一种用剪刀或刻刀在纸上剪刻出各种造型、场景，以装点生活、表达特定寓意的民间艺术。

在纸张发明之前，人们往往在金银箔片上镂空雕刻各种图案花纹等，制成工艺品。西周时期，周成王将梧桐叶剪成玉圭的形状，这是中国古代有关剪纸艺术的最早文献记载。南北朝以后，剪纸艺术在民间逐渐盛行，出现了构图完整、手法多样的剪纸作品。宋代剪纸名目繁多，出现了贴于窗上的“窗花”和用于灯彩、茶盏的剪纸装饰。到了明清时期， 剪纸艺术走向成熟，作为全民性艺术作品广泛用于家居装饰。近代以来至中华人民共和国成立后，剪纸创作内容更加丰富，各行各业生产生活和风俗民情等成为剪纸作品的常见题材。

剪纸艺术善于把多种物体形象组合在一起，代表不同寓意，表达美好愿望。比如，仙鹤、松树象征长寿；娃娃、葫芦、莲花等图案象征多子多福。春节时，当年生肖的剪纸窗花就十分常见。随着时代发展，民间出现了用套色点染等方法制作的彩色剪纸，强化了剪纸作品的表现力。剪纸艺术还形成了不同的流派与风格，如中国北方派作品豪放粗犷，南方派风格婉约细腻。

在中国历史上，剪纸艺术自诞生以来从未中断，它交融于各族人民的社会生活，是各种民俗活动的重要组成部分， 也是民间手工艺术的重要形态。2009年，“中国剪纸”列入联合国教科文组织人类非物质文化遗产代表作名录。