An introduction to Naxi folk paper-cutting

The "Fushouhua" paper-cut of the Naxi people is a paper-cut with the theme of longevity and longevity. The cutting technique is neat and symmetrical. It is influenced by the auspicious culture of the Han nationality and belongs to a branch of auspicious pattern paper-cutting. The shape incorporates regional cultural characteristics. For example, the processing of the "Shou" character pattern is more free and varied than the "Shou" character of the Mainland Han people, and has a strong decorative flavor.

In addition to the bats commonly used in the mainland, the patterns that match the "Shou" pattern also include insects, birds and flowers commonly seen in Yunnan. Fine and complex flowers, butterflies and magpies are often used to set off the thick and eye-catching main body of the word "Shou". This makes the work dense and dense, appropriately complex and simple, and the theme prominent. Naxi paper-cut window grilles are mostly made by various overlapping cutting methods, with strong regularity, more positive lines and fewer negative lines, emphasizing decorative interest, common arcs, and paying attention to coordination. Due to the pursuit of symmetrical forms, a variety of overlapping cutting techniques are used, and the overall effect is rigorous and beautiful. They are often used as fireworks, lanterns, window decorations, ceiling flowers, etc.

Common motifs include the decorative deformation of the character longevity, bats, patterns, and flower and grass patterns. The combinations are dense and dense, with a balance of hardness and softness. Although the Naxi "Fushouhua" paper-cut belongs to the category of auspicious culture with Chinese characters, it has been integrated with the local ethnic culture and customs of respecting and respecting the elderly, and has become an auspicious symbol to accompany the Fushou elderly people to enjoy a happy old life.