The Art of Paper
Chen Zijiang is a paper cutting expert whom I interviewed for my article on Chinese Art. Paper-cutting is something that he learned to do from an early age.
"It is a Chinese folk art with a long history," Mr. Chen told me, "Paper cuts of animals have been found in tombs." He added that by the Southern Song Dynasty, paper-cutting had become an important part of everyday life.
They are paper cuts for decoration, for religious purposes (宗教目的) and for design patterns.
Paper cuts for decoration are often seen, on windows and gates.They are also used on presents. A present for parents whose child has recently been born might show a paper cut of children, for example. Paper cuts which show the Chinese character for double happiness are often used to celebrate weddings.
Paper cuts for religious purposes are often found in temples
The third kind of paper cuts are these used to make patterns on clothing. They are also sometimes used to decorate jewelry (珠宝) boxes. .
| A. They are usually put up during holidays to bring good luck. B. They are also used as offerings to the dead. C. Dragons are very popular patterns for these designs. D. They can date back to the time of the Northern and Southern Dynasty. E. Mr. Chen went on to explain that there are three types of paper cuts which people still make today. |
