World Intangible Cultural Heritage in China --- Chinese Paper-cut (Part Two)

Making a Paper cut artwork needs lot of procedures. First, choose a design in meticulous paintings as the draft, and then place the draft on rice paper, which is the material of traditional paper-cutting works. Next, outline the design on the paper, and after that is the most critical step, cutting and craving. The paper cut handicraft is generally divided into two types: paper cutting and paper carving. The old generation of paper-cut artists usually has a few sharp scissors and knives, which are handy tools for paper cutting. The artists must be extremely careful during cutting. They also need to be “steady, clever, and accurate”, and use scissors and carving knives skillfully and accurately, otherwise the lines carved out would be easily cut into half. After the paper cut work is completed, the pattern needs to be carefully fixed on the cardboard. The different colors of the cardboard can make the paper cut show various charm, which also expands the space for the artistic expression of the paper cut.

Picture: Chinese Paper-cut---Chinese Dragon
The skills of paper-cuts seem simple, but in fact they require great patience and carefulness. The old generation of paper-cutting artists often says paper cutting needs “round sky and square land”. The so-called “round sky” means a supple mind, and the so-called “square land” means sedentariness. Just keep this in mind, artists can cut out excellent works with accumulating experience as time passes by.

Picture: Chinese Paper-cut---Good Blessing to You
For thousands of years, the paper-cut artists have used a knife and a pair of scissors to cut out paper cut works with clever hands to express their longing for a better life. Chinese paper-cutting art has preserved and developed among generations of artists. Nowadays, a new generation of paper cut artists does not stop exploring. They preserve traditions while continue to innovate and bring new vitality into the art of paper cutting.
Let's enjoy more representative works by different kinds of paper-cut art style :)

Picture: Chinese Paper-cut---Classic Garden

Picture: Chinese Paper-cut---Rooster in Dawn

Picture: Chinese Paper-cut---Orchid

Picture: Chinese Paper-cut---Making a Paper-cut Artwork