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Folk art that's a cut above the rest
January 16, 2011, Sunday
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Print Edition
PAPER-CUT is a folk art in China with a long history. Traditional Chinese use the basic theory of symmetry to cut beautiful patterns such as ?2 and ?锟 to express their pursuit of happiness and fortune. Patterns are created by evenly folding paper and then cutting a particular shape. When unfolded, it forms a symmetrical design displaying geometric beauty.
Present throughout China and in various ethnic groups, paper-cut is a popular art integral to everyday lives. A predominantly female pursuit, it is transmitted from mother to daughter over a long period of time, beginning in childhood, and is particularly common in rural areas. It earns the most skilful artists respect and admiration. Many techniques are used: the paper can be cut or engraved with a chisel, colored or left blank. Increasingly, modern technologies are used.
Motifs, which vary greatly and are often devised by the artist, depend on the region of origin (for example, in southern China fine and delicate motifs predominate) and the purpose of the product, which might be used for interior decor (windows, beds and ceilings), festivities (weddings, birthdays and ceremonies) or prayers (invoking the rain, warding off the devil). As a key part of Chinese social life in all ethnic groups, paper-cut expresses the moral principles, philosophies and aesthetic ideals of its exponents. It continues to provide an outlet for emotion and is experiencing an unprecedented revival.
Paper-cut was inscribed in 2009 on the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
(UNESCO website)
Present throughout China and in various ethnic groups, paper-cut is a popular art integral to everyday lives. A predominantly female pursuit, it is transmitted from mother to daughter over a long period of time, beginning in childhood, and is particularly common in rural areas. It earns the most skilful artists respect and admiration. Many techniques are used: the paper can be cut or engraved with a chisel, colored or left blank. Increasingly, modern technologies are used.
Motifs, which vary greatly and are often devised by the artist, depend on the region of origin (for example, in southern China fine and delicate motifs predominate) and the purpose of the product, which might be used for interior decor (windows, beds and ceilings), festivities (weddings, birthdays and ceremonies) or prayers (invoking the rain, warding off the devil). As a key part of Chinese social life in all ethnic groups, paper-cut expresses the moral principles, philosophies and aesthetic ideals of its exponents. It continues to provide an outlet for emotion and is experiencing an unprecedented revival.
Paper-cut was inscribed in 2009 on the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
(UNESCO website)
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