There is an urgent need to collect and organize Yueqing folk paper-cutting techniques
Although both belong to the category of paper-cutting, there is still a big difference between hand-carved paper and paper-cutting. It can express the theme more carefully and accurately, and the carving knife is easier to operate than scissors, and it has better performance on the picture. It’s also freer. It can be said that paper engraving is a relatively refined and specialized art production based on paper cutting. Its production has more characteristics of handicraft and is suitable for mass production. In the process of development, the traditional art of paper engraving has formed a more procedural and standardized operating process than paper-cutting.
The "engraving" technique used in Yueqings fine-grained paper engraving requires years of practice to master the fine craftsmanship, which includes scratching, saw blade, and wandering knife techniques. The craftsmanship itself is of high value. Carving paper by hand takes a lot of time and energy, and requires the artist to have high skill and endurance. At most, about ten pieces can be carved at a time, and if one mistake is made, all will be invalid. The essence of these skills is not only the important cultural value of fine-grained paper engraving, but also an important foundation for us to cultivate inheritors. The principles need more scientific analysis before they can be mastered by inheritors and understood by the public.
When we are sorting out the fine-grained paper, we must first pay attention to the scientific rigor of the research work, systematically collect and sort out the literature on Yueqing fine-grained paper, and collect more classic fine-grained paper. Physical objects, interviews and investigations of paper engraving artists, using transcripts, photography, audio recordings, video recordings, etc. to capture and record the relevant information and materials as completely and thoroughly as possible, and to establish files and databases of fine-grained paper engravings.
We must use modern scientific and technological means as much as possible to help improve the efficiency of folk art learning. For example, we can use computer copying to copy paper-cut patterns instead of smoking and drying pictures. We can use computer systems and camera equipment to save, organize, Edit fine-grained paper information. Use slide technology to allow more students to see the details of the paper engraving process. Record more teaching materials and live performances on CD to serve classroom education. The second is to conduct systematic analysis and verification of artists' techniques. Sample the classic patterns of Yueqing fine-grained paperAnalyze, transform the techniques and formulas of paper engraving into theories, and finally compile them into a book. In addition, "If a worker wants to do his job well, he must first sharpen his tools." We must also pay attention to the tools for engraving fine lines.
Yueqing has a developed handicraft industry, so it is good at making tools. It can be said that the carving knife played a great role in promoting the formation of Yueqings fine-grained paper carving art style. Using a carving knife instead of scissors greatly improves production efficiency and reduces costs. There is a saying among folk artists that "Once you sharpen your knife, you have already learned half of how to carve paper." This shows that artists value their tools. Therefore, it is also very important to study the tools such as carving knives, oil pans, grinding stones, powder bags, and blocks used in Yueqing fine-grained paper engraving. In particular, many tools have been developed to the present through continuous improvement, and they themselves have special cultural value.
In terms of the process flow, Yueqing fine-grained paper is also constantly evolving. For example, in the past, reprinting manuscripts were made by placing the sample on white paper, moistening it with water, then putting it on a kerosene lamp and smoking it with black soot. White pattern manuscripts, but now many artists use photocopiers to copy samples, which has become more convenient and faster. In recent years, the use of computer technology and paper engraving machines to produce engraving paper has emerged. Its output and cost are beyond the reach of hand-engraved paper. However, the paper patterns produced by machines are also relatively simple and dull, lacking the spirituality and charm of hand-engraved paper. There is still a long way to go in terms of artistic value between mass production and hand-engraved paper that incorporates the authors emotions and thoughts. However, this kind of machine-engraved paper has occupied the market in large quantities, which has directly led to the price of engraving paper becoming low. Ordinary consumers cannot tell the difference between the two, which has threatened the existence of some hand-engraved paper.
In general, it is a general trend for machine engraving to quickly occupy the market. The investment in modern technology will gradually increase the types of paper-cutting, such as "computer hardboard paper-cutting", "magnetic paper-cutting", "laser engraving", " "Plastic film paper-cutting"... the forms of folk paper-cutting will become more diverse with the addition of technical means. For example, paper-cuts made of water-based materials do not require the use of glue or tape when posting them. They can be posted anywhere with just a little water. They are easy to apply and remove, leaving no traces or fading. They have a strong three-dimensional effect and cater to modern peoples desire for convenience in installation. , preservation and lasting requirements. From another perspective, due to the increase in machine-engraved paper, artificially carved paper such as Yueqing fine-grained paper has become more precious, and the collection value has also increased relatively.
