Paper cutting is one of the most popular folk arts in China. According to archaeology, its history can be traced back to the sixth century AD, but people believe that its actual start time is several hundred years earlier. Paper cutting is often used in religious ceremonies, decoration and plastic arts. In the past, people often made various objects and figures with paper and buried them with the dead or burned them at funerals.
This custom can still be seen sometimes outside China. Paper cutting art generally has symbolic meaning and is also part of this ceremony. In addition, paper cutting is also used as a decoration for offerings used to worship ancestors and immortals. Probably because of its easy-to-obtain materials, low cost, immediate results and wide adaptability, it is generally popular. Moreover, it is most suitable for rural women to make in their spare time. It can be used as both practical objects and to beautify life. Paper cutting can be seen all over the country, and even different local styles and schools have been formed. Paper cutting not only shows the aesthetic hobbies of the masses, but also contains the deep social psychology of the nation. It is also one of the most distinctive folk arts in China. Its modeling characteristics are especially worthy of study. Now, paper cutting is more used for decoration. Paper cutting can be used to decorate walls, doors and windows, pillars, mirrors, lamps and lanterns, etc. It can also be used as an ornament for gifts. Even paper cutting itself can be given as a gift to others. People used to often use paper cutting as a model for embroidery and spray painting art. Paper cutting is a delicate work that requires patience and carefulness. As long as you insist on learning, master the skills of using tools proficiently, and continuously practice basic skills repeatedly, you will naturally learn paper cutting after a long time. Now let’s introduce the tools used in paper cutting: (1) Scissors. It is best to choose scissors with plastic handles. It is best if the handle can hold three fingers. In this way, you won’t be so tired when cutting paper. Also, the axis of the scissors is best fixed with screws to facilitate adjusting the tightness of the scissors. Generally, three scissors of large, medium and small sizes are matched. Small scissors are used for fine places. The combination of three scissors is the most suitable. (2) Paper. Commonly used papers are red paper, cellophane, rice paper, colored paper, etc. Different papers are selected according to the patterns you prepare. These papers are generally required to be thinner, with bright colors and good flexibility. The color of the paper is mainly determined according to the purpose. Next, we classify these graphics and then understand the cutting methods of various graphics. 1. Small circle (period). This symbol is usually used in the eye patterns of people, animals and the stamens of flowers. In the first step, place the tip of the scissors in the center of the dot and gently prick down until the tip can be felt by the index finger or middle finger of the left hand (the tip of the scissors is sharp, pay attention to safety). Then cut while turning in a counterclockwise direction. Don’t be too hasty during the turning process, otherwise the hole will not be round and there will be burrs.If the cut circle is not round or has nicks, you can cut another circle around the dot according to this method.
2. Cloud hook shape: This symbol plays a very important decorative role in paper cutting, especially in flower patterns. 3. Triangle: When cutting a triangle, start cutting at the center of the triangle and cut in the order from right to left. The triangle belongs to straight-line paper cutting. After cutting, it is required to be horizontal and vertical. 4. Bean sprout shape: The bean sprout symbol is similar to Arabic numerals ‘6’ and ‘9’. In negative cutting works, it is often used in combination patterns of lace to play a decorative role; in positive cutting works, it plays a decorative and connecting role. The specific cutting steps are as follows: 5. Crescent shape: Shaped like a crescent. When cutting, start cutting at the center of the crescent and cut along the crescent line. This symbol is often used for the eyes, mouths, eyebrows, etc. of people and animals. 6. Leaf shape: The cutting method of leaf shape is the same as that of crescent shape. Start cutting at the center and cut along the line. This symbol has a wide range of decorative effects in paper cutting. It can decorate leaves for flowers and can also be combined into small flowers alone. 7. Water drop shape: In paper cutting pictures, the water drop shape can be ever-changing according to the needs of composition. For example, in the paper cutting work of ‘abundant harvest year after year’, it can represent water splashes and waves. In flower paper cutting, it can represent twisted flowers, chrysanthemums and flowers of different shapes. The water drop shape can also decorate flowers. For example, in the wings of a bat, a small flower is combined with a water drop pattern. 8. Blister shape: The blister shape is also widely used in paper cutting. Its cutting method is similar to that of crescent shape. Start cutting from the inside and gradually extend outward. 9. Feather shape: The feather shape is very similar to the sawtooth shape and is often used in paper cutting to represent the feathers of flying birds and animals. 10. Petal shape: Start cutting at the lower right corner of the petal, cut half a circle according to the rule from right to left, and then cut out the petal from the outer contour on the right. There are many forms of petals and strong decorative effects. Everyone can be flexible and creative. 11. Sawtooth shape: The sawtooth shape is the most characteristic pattern in traditional Chinese paper cutting and is also a technique that must be mastered when learning paper cutting. When evaluating the quality of a paper cutting work, first look at whether the sawtooth pattern is slender, uniform and smooth. The application of sawtooth pattern in paper cutting can be said to be everywhere. The patterns on clothes, the fur of animals, flowers, etc. all cannot do without the decoration of sawtooth pattern. Mentality required for learning paper cutting: First, perseverance. Paper cutting art is rich in content, has a wide range of expression themes and various expression techniques, which is enough for people to keep learning throughout their lives. With such an understanding, the mentality can be peaceful. Only then can we overcome the impatient mentality in the learning process and treat paper cutting art with a persistent learning attitude. In the cumulative learning, we can achieve profound accumulation and sudden outburst.II. Confidence. Learning the basics of paper cutting is easy, but mastering the art is challenging. As one progresses in their studies, they may encounter difficulties in improving their skills, leading some to give up halfway. For this reason, we must possess the determination and perseverance reflected in the sayings, ‘Last night the west wind carved the green trees, alone I ascended the high building, gazing at the end of the world,’ and ‘My clothes gradually widen, but I have no regrets, for the sake of her, I’ve become haggard.’ Facing difficulties head-on, we must strive continuously to overcome challenges and eventually reach a state of enlightenment, akin to finding a village after a dark and winding path.
III. Equanimity. Art has no limits; there are always higher mountains and greater skies. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a balanced mindset, continuously drawing nourishment from life, cultivating one’s character, and enhancing artistic cultivation. Deeply root the art in the profound cultural soil of the people, serve the public with the art one has learned, and avoid arrogance. Do not be complacent with a little skill, looking down on everything. Only with a positive attitude and understanding towards the art of paper cutting can one reach a new realm, as described in the phrase, ‘Searching for him among the crowd, a thousand times, suddenly turning back, there he is, amidst the dim lights.’
