Paper-cut dragon patterns and the latest Year of the Dragon paper-cut tutorials
Before discussing the latest paper-cut patterns of the Year of the Dragon, let’s take a look at the books that discuss the image of the dragon pattern, so as to have a more in-depth and systematic understanding of the current status of the image of the dragon in related research in China. There are many books on dragons and dragon image styles, and there are many research results. Judging from the current situation, there are discussions on the study of "dragon" in almost every historical period. These documents are an important basis for carrying out research, but there is no research on "Chinese dragon images" from the perspective of design art. Among the special research results, only some folk art researchers have collected and organized dragon graphics and patterns, such as "Dragon Pattern Decoration" by Huang Nengfu and Chen Juanjuan, "Chinese Dragon Pattern Atlas" compiled by Pan Lusheng; Zheng Jun compiled "Chinese Dragon Pattern Decoration Art of Past Dynasties"; "Chinese Dragon Art" compiled by Xu Huadan; "Auspicious Dragon" compiled by Zheng Yinhe and Zheng Liping, etc. These are all drawings of dragon shapes into patterns as crafts The reference material for pattern design in art applications has also become an important reference for the Year of the Dragon paper-cut pattern design. Some of them are the results of research in cultural anthropology, zooarchaeology and other disciplines, such as "Dragon and Phoenix" and "Myth Research" by Wen Yiduo, and "A Preliminary Study on Chinese Mythology" by Mao Dun, which are from the perspective of mythology and totem worship. To analyze the emergence and evolution of dragons; Wang Dayous "Origin of Dragon Culture" and "Chinese Dragon Culture" study the emergence and development of dragons from the perspectives of archeology, paleontology and sociology; Professor Chen Xiangs "Dragon in China" uses cultural anthropology research methods to explore the emergence and social background of dragons; "Dragon and Chinese Culture" co-authored by Liu Zhixiong and Yang Jingrong is based on archaeological and unearthed cultural relics and combines ancient documents , conducted research on Chinese dragons, put forward his own opinions on the origin, formation and development of dragons, and discussed the meaning of dragon images on cultural relics of the past dynasties. It is a unique book among the current writings on dragons. Many Year of the Dragon paper-cut images were designed based on this book; He Xins "Dragon: Myth and Truth" demonstrates the emergence and development of dragons from a biological perspective; Wu Damings "Research on Chinese Mythology", Hu Zhaohuas "Chinese Dragon" is a comprehensive and informative book introducing Chinese dragons; Pang Jins "Chinese Dragon Culture", "Dragon Customs", Ji Chengmings "Chinese Dragon Worship Customs", from biology, folk customs We will study the origin and classification of dragons from a scientific perspective, and further discuss it based on local customs; there are also Chen Pans "Ancient Silk Paintings", Zhang Xiaolings "Chinese Primitive Art Spirit", Zhu Dis "Study of Primitive Culture", Cen Jiawus "Totem" Art History", Niao Bing'ans "Folklore Series", Zhang Hongxius "Dragon Collection" and so on.
The more pictographic image of the paper-cut dragon is the biggest feature of this Year of the Dragon paper-cut pattern. After the traditional artistic processing and processing of the dragons lines, the image of the dragon itself has also been slightly changed, mainly in the combination of the dragon scales and auspicious clouds, which further highlights the round and auspicious feeling. This is relatively rare in previous paper-cut dragon patterns. The detailed production of dragon scales highlights the use of symmetrical paper-cutting, making the production of paper-cutting more standardized.
1. Preparation work before paper-cutting. For paper-cutting tutorials that require symmetrical paper-cutting, it is usually recommended to use less paper stacks to form basic handy materials, which will become more convenient and easier during specific cutting.
2. Tracing. Since the image of this paper-cut dragon is relatively simple, and the production of dragon scales requires more symmetrical paper-cutting operations, it can be cut directly without tracing. If tracing is required, the main thing is to outline the dragon fins on the edge and the softness of the auspicious clouds. .
3. Paper cutting and engraving. This paper-cutting tutorial for the Year of the Dragon is relatively simple. The scales on the body are also our common paper-cutting patterns, so the cutting can be completed relatively easily. Paper-cut makers should pay attention to the horn-like depictions on the dragons body. Both the sense of direction and the sense of layering need to be consistent. Only in this way can the desired effect be achieved.
