Introduction

Paper-cut refer to handicrafts made by cutting paper with paper with scissors to form different patterns and pasting them on walls, windows, doors and ceilings.

Chinese paper cutting originated in ancient ancestor worship activities which people pray the God, rooted in profound traditional Chinese culture. Two thousand years of history, so that concentrates the transitional concept of Chinese culture which evolution in art and pottery, rock art and other art intertwined , also deferred the human spirit and idea of the pulse of the ancient people. Paper cutting becoming an integral part of Chinese traditional culture, traditional belief’s and a microcosm of the Human moral, but also observe the folk culture of a nation’s heritage windows.

With their long history, paper cut which originates in China, have been very poplar among the ordinary people of China.

Chinese paper cutting art has its own manual formation and development process.  Chinese paper cutting was invented in 3rd century BC, the Spring and Autumn Period.  In that Period, people use sheet material, made by techniques hollow carved crafts before the paper appear. Han Dynasty invented the paper which is prompted emergence of paper cutting, development and popularization.

Chinese paper cut works first discovered in 1967 by archaeologists in the Turpan Basin, Gaochang Ruins which is nearby the Northern ancient tombs in Astana.

the earliest Chinese paper cutting

 

Development History

In Tang Dynasty, paper cut is already in the Tang period of great development.  The possession of the British Museum has the Tang Dynasty paper cut which can seen that handmade paper cut had a high level. This paper cut have a complete screen composition, and expression an ideal of heaven on the earth.

In Song Dynasty,  various paper provided the condition for paper cut. For example, a folk gifts such as “fire works”, posted in the “grilles” on the window, or illumination , decorative for the cup tea.

In Ming and Qing Dynasties handmade paper cut are matured and reached the peak. The art of folk paper cut using a wider range.  Folk paper cut became poplar, people often use paper cut to decorated home accessories, beautification the living environment, used flowers to decorate the roof windows, such as the door stack, window grilles, cabinets flowers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAs0Di7RHhc

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAzSoNNhPok

Meaning Auspicious

Chinese paper cut are good at multiple images together and produce the ideal of a better result.  Whether conformation with one or more images both based  on the image of the graph to express meaning, rather than based on objective to produce natural form. While it also adept at using traditional Chinese techniques to created  a variety of mascots, the image of the convention into a vulgar combined to express their psychology.  People pursue the moral of auspicious was the purpose to created paper cutting. Why the paper cut can able to widely circulated, the main reason is that people wish lucky can coming. Because of geographical limitation and culture closed as well as the natural disasters, people want to stay away from the disaster and desire a happiness  life. People desire to have a flourishing population, health and longevity, good luck and affluence. Through used these rich meaning of paper cutting decoration the home and express their simple desire.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Paper cut is a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Chinese paper cut has a strong influence in Asia, like in Japan, the Tang Dynasty paper cut of relics still retained;  In the southeast Asia which is the region of Buddhist culture,  paper cut and paper carving  of temple were both from China.

Present Situation

It is amazing because traditional Chinese paper cut are still alive in the daily life from different nationalities.

In 2009, Chinese paper cut has entered the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Chinese paper cut showing diverse trends in current  status.

Why I choose the Chinese paper cut as a field guide, there are three reasons. Firstly, I come from China, as we all know Chinese culture is profound, and Chinese paper cut is the popular art form. A piece of paper hidden magical story, a simple pattern is behind the best wishes. Paper cut not only represent the extensive and profound Chinese culture, but also no limit to the high demand of creation, because it created by common people and comes from folk.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               “福”paper cut

Secondly, my hometown Shanxi province which is the north of China, is the heritage of region can representatives paper cut culture. Every Spring Festival’s, my grandmother always cut the paper, “福”，then posted on the doors and windows. Hoping the good luck can coming in the new year. I think the paper cut not only represent the local culture, national culture, but also represent the world culture. Thirdly, with the development of cultural diversity, more and more begin to enjoy and study Chinese culture. I think the paper cut are include rich Chinese history and culture, so starting from the paper cut to understand Chinese is a good choice.