Chinese paper cutting is an old art that developed shortly after paper was invented 2,000 years ago. Though ancient, paper cutting is now widely practiced in the regions all across China. When shopping in Beijing, be sure to check out this unique Chinese art.
Paper cutouts are generally used to decorate windows, doors, and walls with auspicious pictures, thus earning the name "chuang hua," or "window flower" in Chinese. Most pieces show a symmetrical design with images of landscapes, houses, people, animals, or flowers. Cutouts designed for festivals usually have an auspicious Chinese character, like "Fu" or "Shou," which mean Fortune and Longevity, in the middle of the picture. Paper cutting is traditionally a woman's activity.
During the Tang dynasty, Chinese paper cutting was developed into a fine art. Cutouts from this period are preserved by the British Museum in London and show a high level of craftsmanship. During the Song dynasty, paper cutting became a favorite hobby among Chinese, as the thriving paper industry enabled people to use a whole range of new paper products. The porcelain items made in this period show many patterns designed based on paper cutouts. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, this art reached its zenith.
There are three main regional styles of paper cutting in China: the southern style, the Jiangzhe style, and the northern style. Cities in these regions produce a variety of sub-styles that have distinctive local characteristics.
The Southern Style: Paper cutouts made in Foshan, Wuhan, and Fujian are the most famous southern styles.
Foshan - Foshan artisans have a long history of making paper cutouts. The work produced here is popular with both Chinese and overseas customers. People like them for their strong colors and luxurious designs.
Wuhan - Wuhan's paper cutting incorporates elements of the local "Chu" culture. Many famous paper cutout artists in China are from this area. They have created items that have vivid pictures and demonstrate a deep cultural understanding.
Fujian - Paper cutouts produced in Fujian province are known for their animal designs. The interesting design of a famous work called "Chicken-Feet Flower" is cherished by many.
The Jiangzhe Style: Jiangzhe is the region in China that includes Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Paper cutouts made in these two provinces have their own regional characteristics.
Jiangsu - What's unique about Jiangsu's paper cutouts is the exquisite depiction of flowers. The delicate, lifelike flowers show culture, elegance, and a sense of romance.
Zhejiang - Cutouts produced in this province are famous for their elegant, exquisite craftsmanship. Here, themes mainly focus on things in nature and characters from "Yue" plays. They are used to decorate both windows and lanterns.
The Northern Style: Of all the northern styles, the Shanxi style, Shaanxi style, and Shandong styles are the most well known.
Shanxi - People in the villages of Shanxi province traditionally live in small caves. One of the most important decorations in their cave-houses are paper cutouts. Their cutouts are simple in design and convey a sense of roughness, typical of the character of the people living in the north of China.
Shaanxi - The geographical location of Shaanxi province is isolated from the rest of China. For this reason, the paper cutouts produced here have preserved many of the oldest patterns from ancient Chinese culture. They are nicknamed "living fossils."
Shangdong - Shangdong paper cutouts are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and unique local characteristics. Village women in the province like to put small pieces of paper on windows that eventually create a large, complete work. Paper cutouts made in this way have a unique look.
When you are in Beijing, go shopping for some beautiful paper cutouts in the city's amazing local shops. It's best to find a personal shopper to assist you in shopping, because this person knows the locations of the best shops and can give you information on the products you buy.
During the Tang dynasty, Chinese paper cutting was developed into a fine art. Cutouts from this period are preserved by the British Museum in London and show a high level of craftsmanship. During the Song dynasty, paper cutting became a favorite hobby among Chinese, as the thriving paper industry enabled people to use a whole range of new paper products. The porcelain items made in this period show many patterns designed based on paper cutouts. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, this art reached its zenith.
There are three main regional styles of paper cutting in China: the southern style, the Jiangzhe style, and the northern style. Cities in these regions produce a variety of sub-styles that have distinctive local characteristics.
The Southern Style: Paper cutouts made in Foshan, Wuhan, and Fujian are the most famous southern styles.
Foshan - Foshan artisans have a long history of making paper cutouts. The work produced here is popular with both Chinese and overseas customers. People like them for their strong colors and luxurious designs.
Wuhan - Wuhan's paper cutting incorporates elements of the local "Chu" culture. Many famous paper cutout artists in China are from this area. They have created items that have vivid pictures and demonstrate a deep cultural understanding.
Fujian - Paper cutouts produced in Fujian province are known for their animal designs. The interesting design of a famous work called "Chicken-Feet Flower" is cherished by many.
The Jiangzhe Style: Jiangzhe is the region in China that includes Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Paper cutouts made in these two provinces have their own regional characteristics.
Jiangsu - What's unique about Jiangsu's paper cutouts is the exquisite depiction of flowers. The delicate, lifelike flowers show culture, elegance, and a sense of romance.
Zhejiang - Cutouts produced in this province are famous for their elegant, exquisite craftsmanship. Here, themes mainly focus on things in nature and characters from "Yue" plays. They are used to decorate both windows and lanterns.
The Northern Style: Of all the northern styles, the Shanxi style, Shaanxi style, and Shandong styles are the most well known.
Shanxi - People in the villages of Shanxi province traditionally live in small caves. One of the most important decorations in their cave-houses are paper cutouts. Their cutouts are simple in design and convey a sense of roughness, typical of the character of the people living in the north of China.
Shaanxi - The geographical location of Shaanxi province is isolated from the rest of China. For this reason, the paper cutouts produced here have preserved many of the oldest patterns from ancient Chinese culture. They are nicknamed "living fossils."
Shangdong - Shangdong paper cutouts are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and unique local characteristics. Village women in the province like to put small pieces of paper on windows that eventually create a large, complete work. Paper cutouts made in this way have a unique look.
About the Author:
Author A. Lao has studied Chinese culture and history for years. He assists a Personal Shopper in Beijing who brings customers to special Chinese stores. Sometimes he personally tailors shopping trips in Beijing.
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