Paper Cutting

Chinese Paper Cutting, (kirigami or Jianzhi) is the Chinese art of cutting paper into ornamental objects or designs. Chinese Paper Cutting is the first type of paper cutting design, since paper was invented by Cai Lun in the Eastern Han Dynasty in China. Because the cut outs are also used to decorate doors and windows, they are sometimes referred to "chuāng huā" (窗花), meaning Window Flower. The art form later spread to other parts of the world with different regions adopting their own cultural styles.

History

Chinese paper cutting is a unique artform and has existed for thousands of years with a long history featuring both national and regional themes. Paper began as a precious commodity in the Han Dynasty. The early Chinese Paper Cutting is only a pattern used for women in embroidery. As times goes on and by virtue of the imagination, folk craftsmen express their ideas, will and ideals through various paper cutting. The oldest surviving paper cut out is a symmetrical circle from the 6th century found in Xinjiang, China.

From the 7th to 13th century, paper cutting became popular especially during Chinese holiday festivals. The art spread to the rest of the world in the 14th century. Throughout the Qing Dynasty many paper cutting skills were developed including drafting and the use of smoked papers. By the end of the Qing ruling, new art forms were being introduced.

In the rural countryside in mainland China, paper cutting is a traditionally female activity. In the past, every girl was expected to master it and brides were often judged by their skill. Professional paper cutting artists are, on the other hand, usually male have guaranteed incomes and work together in workshops.

Designs

There are basic cut outs, which are a single image. And there are symmetrical designs that are usually created by some folding over a proportioned crease, and then cutting some shape. When unfolded, it forms a symmetrical design. The paper cut outs are usually in an even number series of 2, 4, 16, 24 etc.

The estimable value of folk Paper Cutting is the moral of art reflected common things in life.Chinese culture has always tried to find symbols. Like Chinese Calligraphy expression, single Chinese characters are often used to describe some meaning or representation. Other symbols like the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac are symbolically found in paper cut arts, even today. The basic art is generally 2D. The more advanced paper cuttings are usually done in stacks where it unfolds into some 3D object such as a lantern. Red seems to be the most popular color.

Use

Today, paper cuttings are chiefly decorative. They ornament walls, windows, doors, columns, mirrors, lamps and lanterns in homes and are also used on presents or are given as gifts themselves. Entrances are decorated with paper cut outs are supposed to bring good luck. Paper cuttings used to be used as patterns, especially for embroidery and lacquer work. In Chinese culture it can reflect many aspects of life such as prosperity, health, or harvest. Some cuttings represent stories about the happiness gained from the accomplishment of common goals. For example, dragon and phoenix symbolize the great and sacred marriage; a pied magpie standing on the twig of the tree means the approach of happy even; a young married woman holding a baby in her arm represents she will be pregnant; blooming peony means wealth and good fortune.

Process

There are two methods of manufacture: one use scissors, the other use knives. In the scissor method, several pieces of paper - up to eight - are fastened together. The motif is then cut with sharp, pointed scissors. Knife cuttings are fashioned by putting several layers of paper on a relatively soft foundation consisting of a mixture of tallow and ashes. Following a pattern, the artist cuts the motif into the paper with a sharp knife which is usually held vertically. Skilled crafters can even cut out different drawings freely without stopping.

Maintenance

1. Good ventilation conditions and remaining dry is the basis requirement.

2. Do not use reel-preservation to protect the paper-cut because it is delicately grooved and frequent flipping will rip it up.

3. Small sized paper-cut could be sealed by plastic and preserved in album.

4. The best preservation is to frame it on the wall.

5. Some mothball may be put closed to the paper-cut to prevent household pests, such as moth or cockroach.