Characteristics of Chinese folk paper-cutting

The characteristics of paper-cutting can be summarized in four words. That is, "hollowing out" and "connecting". At first it may sound like there is a contradiction between the two. If you think about it carefully, paper-cutting just unifies this contradictory relationship. A paper-cut work mainly embodies the shape and composition of the pattern through the form of "hollowing out". But only "hollowing out" is not enough, because the patterns and shapes of paper-cutting do not exist in isolation, but are connected with each other so that the entire composition of paper-cutting can be fully reflected. This is the second characteristic of paper-cutting, "connection". "Connection" has two meanings: one is the connection between pattern and shape. This "connection" is the embodiment of the compositional relationship of a paper-cut, the outline and foundation of the paper-cut pattern, that is, the embodiment of the overall relationship of a paper-cut. The second is the "connection" between various patterns within a single shape. This "connection" is the specific processing of individual shapes in paper-cut patterns. It is the basic element that enriches the content of a paper-cut.

In the long-term artistic practice, paper-cutting authors have perfected these two basic characteristics of paper-cutting based on their own real life, forming a method of cutting, carving, tearing, burning, ironing, color matching, color lining, etc. Various techniques such as dyeing and tracing are used to reflect the characteristics of paper-cutting, giving the expressive power of paper-cutting unlimited depth and breadth. It can be as thin as a spring silkworm spinning silk, or as thick as the swipe of a large brush. Because paper-cutting has irreplaceable characteristics in other art categories, the materials are popular, the tools are simple, and the techniques are easy to master. Therefore, this art form has spread to almost every corner of our countrys cities and villages from ancient times to the present, and is deeply loved by the people.