The influence of geographical factors on the development of paper-cutting in Yu County
The terrain of Yu County is high on the periphery and low in the middle. It is a typical intermountain structural basin. "The towering north and south mountains have left many passes for Yu County, the most famous ones are Shimen Valley, Feihu Valley, Jiugongkou, Songzhikou, Jinhekou, Yuanyangkou, Wuchakou and Yulinguan Badayukou." Passing through these valleys, one can reach Beijing and Tianjin in the east, Shanshan and Shaanxi in the west, the Central Plains in the south, and Inner Mongolia and Liaodong in the north. These natural barriers that are easy to defend and difficult to attack have made Yu County a battleground for military strategists since its occupation, and an important area for cultural, economic and trade exchanges between the Central Plains and the north, and between the Han and ethnic minorities.
(1) Objective geographical conditions have brought a prosperous commodity economy to Yu County, which has also promoted the development of paper-cutting in Yu County. Through these ancient roads extending in all directions, materials from inside and outside the customs were exchanged and distributed here, which created the prosperity of economy and commerce on both sides of the Huliu River, and also created the openness and dexterity of the people in Yu County who were good at doing business. Paper-cutting artists in Yu County were naturally influenced by the strong local commodity concept and awareness, and entered the commercial field for the purpose of profit, and then introduced paper-cutting as a commodity to the market.
(2) A variety of new skills are spreading here, which has greatly promoted the improvement of Yu County craftsmens skills. In my countrys traditional agricultural economy, various handicrafts and small crafts have always been important jobs for farmers to supplement their household income during slack periods. Yu County is no exception. There are many craftsmen and craftsmen engaged in clay sculpture, brick carving, and wood carving. In the handicraft industries such as stone carving, lamp shadow, woolen craftsmanship, paper making, willow weaving, reed weaving, and embroidery, paper-cutting artists are one of the various craftsmen in its history. "Since ancient times, Yu County has many skilled craftsmen, and there are various types of handicrafts that are close to paper-cutting in terms of craft techniques and expression styles. Paper-cutting and them interact and use each other." The unique geographical environment of Yu County determines the production and lifestyle of local people. The prosperity of various handicrafts here promotes the emergence and development of paper-cutting in Yu County.
(3) The unique climate conditions in Yu County are reflected in local residential buildings and have a significant impact on the production of paper-cutting.ring. Yu County is located in an arid area in the north, with long and cold winters. Therefore, the windows of the houses here are divided into front windows and ear windows and wind windows on both sides, which can provide ventilation and lighting as well as cold protection and warmth. The large windows are papered with locally produced white linen paper, which is of low color. In order to decorate the living environment without blocking the sunlight, the gorgeous Yuxian paper-cutting was born.
