Paper cutting is one of the most popular Chinese handicrafts (手工艺). It can go back to the 6th century. From the 7th to 13th century, paper cutting became popular, especially during Chinese festivals. The art spread to the rest of the world in the 14th century.
Paper cuttings are used in many ways. Today, paper cuttings are mainly used as decorations (装饰) at ceremonies or celebrations. They decorate walls, windows, doors, pillars, mirrors, lamps and lanterns. And they themselves can also be given as gifts. Paper cuttings were also used to serve as the mould pattern (模具) for making embroideries and paintings.
Wishes for wealth, health and longevity are often expressed through paper cuttings. For example, during the Chinese New Year, the character “Fu” is pasted upside down on the door to express people’s wish for the coming of goodness. At a birthday party of an old person, paper cuttings with the character “Shou” are often seen, showing people’s wishes for living a long life. At a wedding ceremony, a red paper cutting with the character “Xi”traditionally carries wishes for happiness for the newly married couple.
The tools required for paper cutting are simply a piece of paper, usually paper in red, the most popular color in Chinese culture, and knives and scissors. So it is easy to learn how to make paper cutting
Paper Cutting
| starting in the 6th century | |
| popular from the 7th to 13th century | |
| spreading in the 1 4th century | |
| uses | decorations |
| mould patterns | |
| expression of wishes | Fu: the coming of goodness |
| Shou: | |
| Xi: happiness for the newly married couple | |
| a piece of paper | |
| scissors |
