Talking about Ansai Paper-cutting
As the saying goes, "The soil and water support the people." Regional differences and different customs make the styles of Chinese folk paper-cutting different, and Ansai paper-cutting is a model form of creative beauty for working women in northern Shaanxi. The paper-cut art of Ansai is not only magical and beautiful, simple and stubborn, but it is also a true portrayal of the character of the Ansai people and their yearning and pursuit of a better life. It has high ornamental value and collection value, and is known as a "living fossil" and "above ground artifacts." Chinese art experts praised it as "Ansai paper-cutting, the mother of all beauty; the soul of the nation can be found in northern Shaanxi; it inspires China and is worthy of the past and present."
Ansai paper-cutting is a traditional art form created based on specific historical and geographical conditions. The themes include cows, horses, chickens and sheep, magpies and phoenixes, vegetables, flowers and fruits, etc. From all aspects of life, it expresses the working peoples rich emotions of loving life and yearning for happiness. It shows a red flower and green leaves, birds flying and fish flying, people rejoicing and horses neighing, and all things striving for prosperity. , a joyful art world. Ansai’s paper-cut culture is very profound. Judging from the paper-cut works compiled now, we can find its historical and cultural origins. Yangshao and Longshan cultural relics can be found on the four river roads in Ansai County, and cultural relics from the Shang and Zhou dynasties are also relatively abundant. There are groups of Han tombs and more than ten grottoes in the Tang and Song Dynasties, all of which had an important impact on the formation of Ansai paper-cutting.
Ansai paper-cutting has a very strong personality and can be regarded as an art of self-appreciation and entertainment. The creation emphasizes "walk with ones heart" and "be happy when you are poor", which reflects the free and unrestrained but positive and optimistic life attitude of Ansai people. Paper-cutting is not only an independent art form, it also has practical functions.
