Yueqing folk fine-grained paper-cutting process
The production of Yueqing fine-grained paper has more standardized processes and techniques than other paper-cuts. The first step is to engrave the design. First of all, there must be an engraving, that is, a sample of the paper. The original pattern of Yueqings fine-grained paper is generally drawn by artists with painting skills. They refer to other folk arts in Yueqing to design the main part of Yueqings fine-grained paper, including flowers, animals, figures, landscapes, etc. Some paper-engraving artists can also design and draw their own manuscripts. In recent years, some artists have used computer technology to make selected pictures into paper-engraving manuscripts. The periphery of the carved paper, that is, the dragon boat flower pattern is generally formed by the paper carving artist at any time during the carving process. Since most of these patterns are connected by thin straight lines, when drafting, the artist will first use bamboo pieces Make good marks. The artist will draw a small square grid with intersecting longitude and latitude based on the style and thickness of the lines selected in advance, which serves as the framework for carving the pattern. The artists call it "white grid". With this trace manuscript frame, artists can create dozens of different patterns on it. Some highly skilled artists can even carve various patterns on a large frame without "blanking". Once the manuscript is well designed, fine-grained paper engraving is half the work. But the manuscript cannot be used repeatedly. When repeated engraving is needed, some experienced old artists can use the engraved finished product to make the manuscript directly; while ordinary artists usually use reprinted manuscripts before the use of photocopiers. , usually reproduced by "blanking". The so-called "blanking" means to wet the white paper with water added with potassium ferricyanide, then put the sample on it, cover it with a glass sheet and put it in the sun. The white paper will form a blue sample, which will be clearer. .
The engraving manuscript is ready, and the second step is to prepare the engraving paper. Paper engraving generally involves a large amount of paper (ten to twenty sheets can be engraved at one time). If the paper is not handled well, it will cause a lot of trouble during engraving. First, spread a layer of powder on the oil pan to be carved, then neatly stack the papers to be carved on top, with the manuscript on top, and use thumbtacks to secure them all to the oil pan.
ThirdThe first step is engraving. After long-term practice, old artists have concluded that the experience is: first up and then down, first thin and then thick, first left and then right, first inside and then outside, and the hand directions are consistent. When engraving, you must first carve the upper and inner patterns, and then the lower and outer patterns; carve complex patterns first, and then simple ones; carve small-area patterns first, and then carve large-area patterns. Hold the knife in your right hand and the bamboo stick in your left hand. When carving, hold the paper with the stick in your left hand. Use your right hand to carry the knife. Make sure the handle of the knife is perpendicular to the paper. Make sure the blade is not biased, otherwise the pattern on the bottom layer will be different from the pattern on the upper layer. . To move the knife accurately, the blade and handle must move parallel, and oblique engraving cannot be used. Common knife techniques used in Yueqings fine-grained paper include scratching, saw blade and wandering knife. Engraving is suitable for engraving a small number of parts at one time. Carve through with one stroke of the carving knife and pull hard. At the junction of the two lines, do not use excessive force to prevent the line from breaking. The saw blade knife is suitable for engraving a large number of engravings at one time. Hold the carving knife vertically, carve through with one knife, and then move the blade forward in a zigzag manner up and down to cut the paper. Note that the tip of the knife cannot be higher than the surface of the paper when lifting the knife, otherwise the paper strips will be continuous. The wandering knife method refers to the random deformation when carving, like a dragon playing in the water, with smooth and smooth lines. After each small piece is carved, gently pick it up with the tip of the knife, and the carved part will pop out naturally. If there is a connection, don't pull hard, and gradually modify it after the entire work is completed.
