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Paper-Cut
Paper-cut is a very distinctive visual art of traditional Chinese handicrafts.
According to the archeological findings, 
it
had appeared in the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589AD). Paper-cut
saw its great development during the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD). Even in
royal families ladies were judged by the ability at paper-cut during that
period. Professional paper-cutting craftsmen appeared as early as the
Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).
The initiation and spread of paper-cuts had a close relationship with
Chinese rural festivals. People pasted paper-cuts on walls, windows and
doors at wedding ceremonies or festivals to enhance the festive atmosphere
.
Paper-cuts can also serve as presents or as decorations on gifts and sacrificial
offerings to the ancestors or gods.
Paper-cut techniques
The main cutting tools are simple: paper and scissors or an engraving
knife, but c
lever
and deft craftspeople are remarkably good at cutting in the theme of daily
life. Although other art forms, like painting, can also show similar scenes,
paper cutting still stands out for its charm - exacting lines and ingenious
patterns which are all hand-made. To make the three-dimensional scenes
pop out visually from the paper, as they are usually in monochrome, craftsmen
must exert their imagination. They must delete secondary parts and compose
the main body properly, abstractly and boldly. Though simple, the color
then appears charmingly bright. When cutting, one must grasp the knife
in an upright fashion and press evenly on the paper with some strength.
Flexibility is required but any hesitation or wiggling will lead to imprecision
or damage the whole image. Craftsmen stress the cutting lines in several
styles. 
They
attempt to carve a circle like the moon, a straight line like a stem of
wheat, a square like a brick, and jaggedly like the beard.
Paper-cut themes
No doubt that art came from life and serve life, so did the paper-cut.
Chinese paper-cuts are rich in content. The auspicious designs symbolize
good luck and the avoidance of evil. The child, lotus and bottle gourd
designs s
uggest
a family with a large number of children and grandchildren. Domestic birds,
livestock, fruit, fish and worms are also familiar objects depicted by
Chinese farmers. There are some special paper-cuts of traditional design
used as patterns for embroidering clothes, shoes, hats, pillows, bed curtains
and door curtains.People find hope and comfort in expressing wishes with
paper cuttings. For example: for a 
wedding
ceremony, red paper cuttings are a traditional and required decoration
on the tea set, the dressing table glass, and on other furniture. A big
red paper character 'Xi' (happiness) is a traditional must on the newlywed's
door. 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. The art forms are mainly used as decorations and patterns
for religious and ornamental purposes.
Paper-cuts made in different areas have different characteristics. Paper-cuts
made in northern part of China are robust and energetic. Paper-cuts made
from the southern part of china are delicate and bright.
