Japanese color paper cutting
The development of Japanese paper-cutting is deeply influenced by Chinese paper-cutting. Japanese folk paper-cutting is an auspicious paper-cutting that relies on folk customs and accompanies celebrations. It is also a practical paper-cutting for blessing and decoration. Folk paper-cutting often appears in events such as temples, shrines, and harvest celebrations. Rows of paper-cuttings are hung on long ropes and float in the wind. This kind of paper-cutting often appears with symbolic and allegorical techniques, such as the turtle symbolizing longevity, the crane symbolizing good luck, etc. There are also some local customs where a pair of fishes carved with scissors are hung in front of the bridal chamber to express the husband and wifes love and long-term friendship.
Japanese modern paper-cutting mainly expresses myths, folk tales, legendary figures, and natural scenery as its main themes. For example, "The Journey of Gods and Monsters" comes from the custom of the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture: On New Years Eve, groups of three or five in the village dress up as ghosts and gods, wearing masks and raincoats, and holding sharp weapons, going door to door to catch "bad boys". Every time he went to a house, he shouted, "Where is that crybaby?" It scared the urchins who usually fight and cry all over their bodies. At this time, the owner hurriedly came out to welcome him, relieved and comforted him, and said, "My child is obedient and has made progress in his studies...".
Japanese color paper-cutting artists like to use "washi". Japanese paper is a kind of fine handmade paper in Japan, containing silk and linen ingredients (a bit like Chinese rough paper). This kind of paper can be thin or thick, colorful and very bright. It can also be cut and dyed in white. Paper-cuts made from this kind of paper have a certain texture and look elegant, pretty and valuable.
In recent decades, with the introduction and promotion of the art of paper-cutting by many artists and scholars, modern Japanese paper-cutting has slowly developed. Japanese modern paper-cutting is mostly based on colorful paper-cutting. One is the creative works of artists with poetic and picturesque themes, and the other is the design works used for craft patterns. For example, it can be used for comic strips, covers, illustrations, head and tail flower creations, as well as calendars, advertisements, New Years cards, printing and dyeing, and clothing design.
Fujiro Seiji is a famous Japanese illustrator who created a large number of colorful paper-cuts. Cat images often appear in his illustrations, and the characters also have cat eyes and black skin. heThe style of paper-cutting is very similar to that of illustrations. It is mainly black paper-cutting. Through lining, pasting, painting and other expression techniques, the paper-cutting pattern and color content are enriched. The workmanship is fine, the colors are rich, and it is beautiful.
