7/31/2019 Paper Cut Final Draft

1/2

Paper cutting is the term used to refer to making a design out of paper normally using only small

scissors or a craft knife. The art of paper cutting is believed to have first originated in China at some

point during the 4th

Century AD. The designs used in paper cut can be symmetrical, and they often

are, but its possible for them not to be. They are almost always a way of decorating an object, but

its also very possible for them to be adapted to decorate a functional object such as fans, lights,

folding screens etc. The first use of paper cutting was as a way of decorating religious items. Anotheruse of paper cutting during ancient times was at funerals, where figures or symbols were burned or

buried along with the deceased in the belief that they would be able to affect the afterlife of that

individual.

There isnt a lot of information known about Chinese paper cuts as up until 20 years ago they were

never given any artistic attention from Chinese or Western Scholars. They were viewed as pieces of

folk art, and so were taken for granted. This also meant that until recent times they werent thought

to be worth serious study. This coupled with the fact that paper as a medium doesnt survive well

means that it is unknown when China first started the craft of paper cutting. However we can take

some assumptions from a variety of facts, such as the cost of paper after it was immediately made

would be too expensive to be used for crafts. Paper was more commonly used for religiouspurposes, or patching up silk paintings.

Popular designs can be based on a wide range of sources including geometric designs, or scenes that

include nature, the family or animals. While it is likely that Paper cut has been around since the 4th

century A.D, just after the Chinese invented paper it is likely that it wasnt popular until the Tang

Dynasty due to the cost of paper. By the Tang Dynasty there are records of both coloured paper and

paper being used as a way of decoration. While possibly not widespread it can be assumed that this

would be the first time paper cut was used decoratively. There are records of paper cut and

coloured paper in poems by Du Fu, however there are also still many records of paper being reused,

for example paper used to record donations to a monastery from the regional governor of Dun

Huang was later reused during the Tang Dynasty to also record sketches of a camel and a horse donein ink. Paper was also still being used extensively during this period to repair paintings where the silk

bases had either been torn or frayed.

The first uses of paper cut were functional, being used as a way of decorating windows which were

made of paper. They were also used as guides for woodcarvers, and later as stencils for transferring

colour onto lacquer ware as well as mass produced porcelain mainly for the export market. They

also served as a guide for embroidery indeed until 30 years ago it would have been common to see

men selling a wide variety of paper cuts in many Chinese cities for such a purpose. The use of paper

cuts for decorating around the home also wasnt restricted to just windows, traditional lanterns

with paper stretched over a cane or split bamboo frame were often decorated with a paper cut

placed on the inside. Many rich homes also had walls and ceilings also decorated through the use ofpaper cut.

There are many traditional paper cut subjects in China, including the Qilin, the Lotus, Lions and

Tigers, Plum blossoms and cranes. Chinese characters were also often used, such as those for

longevity, luck or happiness. More subtle forms were also often used playing with how words and

letters were pronounced and utilising the meaning behind the symbolism to give double meaning to

the designs. However in modern times it is more common to find a political slogan instead. With

their widespread presence that has been revived in modern times paper cut in China has become

another way of spreading propaganda. Thats not to say that you never see traditional motifs

anymore, it has just become rarer. There has also been a worldwide spread for paper cutting now,

which is an art form that has many artists in many different countries.

7/31/2019 Paper Cut Final Draft

2/2

Because of the worldwide spread there are numerous names for it, depending on the language.

There is also evidence that the early people of Mexico and Japan also practised the art of paper

cutting and had their own names for it. While to us the silhouetted forms are familiar this was

started in England, and started during the middle ages. This was seen as a great way of recording

family moments up until the point that photography was invented and was for a long time all the

rage. One famous well known person, Hans Christian Andersen, was an avid paper cutter. Indeedthere are many displays of his work at his home in Odense.