Chinese Paper Cutting: People's Expression of Hope

Accidentally I went to the Children's Paper Cutting Show in Beijing Women and Children's Museum in Dongcheng District. That was Friday May 30th, some of my friends and I went there for a walk, and I never thought I would be touched by those beautiful and amazing paper-cuts.

The show reminded me of the times when I was young, senior people in our village sitting on the kang (a heatable brick bed),cutting red paper into various of beautiful patterns. Especilly before the Spring Fesitival, They made paper cuts to decorate doors and windows, and they called it "chuang hua", meaning Window Flower. My grandma even told me how to cut“Xi”character which means happiness and it is a traditional must on the newlywed's door.

Exhibit in Children's Paper Cutting Show

Paper cutting is a way for people to express hope and comfort. Upon the birthday party of a senior, the character 'Shou' represents longevity and will add delight to the whole celebration. While a pattern of plump children cuddling fish signifies that every year they will be abundant in wealth.

There are two methods of manufacture: one uses scissors, the other uses knives. In the scissor method, several pieces of paper — up to eight — are fastened together. 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.

Chinese Paper Cuts

Paper cutting is one of the oldest folk art, which can date back to Chinese Han Dynasty, the sixth century AD. From the 7th to 13th century, it became popular and the art spread to the rest of the world in the 14th century. In the past, every girl was supposed to master it and brides were often judged by their skills.