Story Behind Papercut

Paper cut, world protected culture heritage, treasure of Chinese folk art works, has been making its way along the route of the long history of paper. The art of paper cut went after the invention of paper in Han Dynasty (105 A.D.), once became one of the main forms of arts, and was popular to the people of the time; even in royal families ladies were also judged by the ability at paper cut.

Most of the paper-cut 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 paper cut is scissors. Once they are owned by a master of papercut, they will become so supernatural that the paper cuts 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.

Paper cut can be divided into two main classes, monochromatic and colored. Each picture is carved from special, tissue-thin rice paper, and then hand painted with bright Chinese ink. If you look carefully, you'll find they are cut out in the inside as well as the edges, making them stand out against any background. Also, each motif is an unbroken, continuous piece with delicate and clever links that hold the whole picture together.

No doubt that arts come from life and serve life. Paper cuts are very popular in the countryside. The patterns are often designed from animals, flowers, myth, jubilant festivals, bumper harvest, opera and characters of folk tales. The bright colors of red, green or light blue provide a strong foil to set off a merry atmosphere. For example, at the New Year's Festival, entrances are decorated with paper cuttings that are meant to bring good luck. So they are often found in wedding ceremonies or festivals in China. And people like to decorate their windows and doors using colorful paper cuts.

Today, paper cuts are mainly used as presents or decorations. You can use paper cuts to create greeting cards, make bookmarks or design a poster. A framed paper cut self, in fact, is a very special and pretty gift. Also, they ornament walls, windows, doors, columns, mirrors, lamps and lanterns to express the feelings of joy and the perceptions of life.