Brief Introduction About Chinese Paper Cutting

Chinese paper cutting, also known as "Jianzhi" (剪纸), is a traditional folk art that has a rich history and unique characteristics. It originated in China around the 6th century AD, during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, and has since evolved over the centuries into a diverse and intricate art form.

[ Paper Cutting: Wu Kong ]

The Monkey King is a figure in thenovel called “journey to West”. Hewas described as a legendary figurewith tremendus powers and tactics.He was 'also a figure who hated theinjustice and upheld the righteousness.

The dramas in the Peking Operawith the Monkey King as a chief roleare usually called the Monkey Opera. They are always the favoriteones of the opera fans. They include"Rebellion in Heavenly Palaces”"Eighteen Buddha Fighting MonkeyKing" and “Exterminating Ghosts”

The paper cut with the Monkey Kinguses red for facial makeup. Outside thefacial shaping like a heart is added withsome blue and hairy dressing to “stress”the two monkey ears. The Monkey Kingwears a helmet and peacock leather atback, The helmet is decorated withwooly balls and rimmed with a fox's tail.All this is designed to show his status asa king. The forehead of the Monkey Kingis painted with a moon to show that hewas magically controlled by his master,who was a monk of Tang Dynasty de.termined to go to India to learn the Buddhist Scriptures.

The development of Chinese paper cutting can be divided into several stages:

Early Origins: The invention of paper by Cai Lun in 105 AD laid the foundation for paper cutting. Initially, people used scissors or knives to cut patterns out of paper for various purposes, such as decorations, stencils for embroidery, and templates for metalwork.

Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD): Paper cutting gained popularity during the Tang Dynasty, when it was used extensively for religious ceremonies, festivals, and daily life. The art form became more refined and intricate during this period, with many new patterns and themes emerging.

Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD): During the Song Dynasty, paper cutting reached new heights of artistic expression, with more detailed and sophisticated designs being created. It was also during this time that regional styles began to develop, such as those from Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Shandong provinces.

Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties (1271-1911 AD): Paper cutting continued to flourish throughout these dynasties, with each era contributing its own unique styles and techniques. The art form was further popularized by the widespread use of woodblock printing, which helped disseminate paper cutting patterns across the country.

[ Paper Cutting: Zhang Fei ]

Zhang Fei is a figure in the well-known novel called “Three Kingdoms". tewas one'of the adopted brothers of Liu Bei, who was the Emperor of shuKingdom,Zhang Fei was straightforward and rash by nature. Several dramasin'the Peking Opera presented Zhang Fei, such as “Hulao Fortress", “changbanHill  and “Fighting Ma Zhao”

The facial makeup of Zhang Fei in the paper cut is designed like a black-white butterfly. The evehole is linked with the eyebrow to make wings of a butterfl. The eyebrow is painted with some small dots and the eye-corner with some red to display that Zhang Fei was bad-tem pered but caring despite careless sometimes. The forehead is blackened to show that Zhang Fei was a very brave man. The nose is a little turned upward and the face smiling to show that ZhangFei was optimistic and brave. The head is wrapped up with a big scarf and the ear dressed with black ornaments. The straight-up posture of Zhang Fei shows his overwhelming bravery without displaying his anger.

[ Paper Cutting: Bao Zheng ]

Bao Zheng is an impor.tant figure in the wellknown novel called “Storiesof Swordsmen". He was alsoan academician in the NorthSong Dynasty. Bao Zhengnever feared the authoritiesand was just and upright.He was well known for hisclean political career andjustice. There are many dramas with Bao Zheng as theirchief roles, such as “Chal-lenging the Emperor”,“Qing Xiangliang-A Be-trayed Woman Given Justice” and “Cracking downCorrupt Officials”.

The paper cut with Bao Zheng usesblack for facial makeup. Above the whiteeyebrow is a moon on the foreheadwhich looks like a white moon hangingon a white mountain. This representshis justice in enforcing laws and hisability of making justice. Bao Zhengwears an official cap for the Prime Minister, but the color of the cap is turnedfrom black to blue, which is actuallyspecially exaggerated by the paper cutting. The cap is decorated with flowersand the colorful balls, which shows thatBao Zheng was awarded.

[ Paper Cutting: Niu Gao ]

Niu Gao is a figure in the well-known novel called “ A History of Yue FeiACommander of Song Dynasty". He was a general under Commander YueFer,who:léd the Song army against the invasion of the Jin Kingdom”. NiuGao was straightforward in nature and very tactful and wise. A number ofidramas had Niu Gao as their chief roles, such as “Niu Gao Getting Married","Fighting jin Chanzi" and "Niu Gao as Envoy".

The paper cut with Niu Gao uses grayand tri-dimensional for facial makeupThe bird-like eyehole and the slim eyebrow represent wit and wisdom. Thebroad nose represents bravery andcourage. lhe helmet, black banners andred ear ornaments make a vivid picture.

[ Paper Cutting: Li Kui ]

Li Kui is a figure in the well-known novel called “The Marshland”. Hewas nicknamed “Black Storm". Li Kui was rude and rash by nature andliked to do justice to injustice, Several dramas had Li Kui as their chiefroles, such as “Dingjia Hill”, “Qingfeng Mountain Village” and “Li KuiVisiting Mother"

The paper cut with Li Kui use grayand stripes for facial makeup. The bigeyes, broad nose and big mouth presenta magnificent image and a rash nature.Li Kui wears a brown cap decorated withwooly balls and leaves. The twin axe hewears at back, one golden and one skyblue, accompanied by ribbons, presentsa vivid picture of a brave and rash hero.

[ Paper Cutting: Dou Erdun ]

Dot Erdun was an owner of a mountain village and arebel in the Qing Dynasty. Some dramas had Dou Erdunas chief roles, such as “Gathering of Heroes”,“StealingHorses” and “Chain Traps".

The paper cut with Dou Erdun usesblue and tri-dimensional for facialmakeup. This presents his firmness andpersistence. The white dots in the eyehole show his shining eyes. The redstripes in the face are consistent withthe color of his beard and hair. He wearsa big scarf and banners at back to showa brave image of a rebel.

[ Paper Cutting: Dou Erdun ]

Meng Liang is also a figure in the well-known opera called “Generals of.Yang Family’. He was a general under Commander Yang Yanzhao, who led,the Song army against the invasion of the Liao Kingdom. Together withiao Zan, they are,called the right and left arms of Commander Yang. Mengang, appeared in a number of dramas in the Peking Opera, such as "Teasing with Meng,Lidng","Muke Mountain Village" and “Hongyang Cave".

The paper cut with Meng Liang usesred for facial makeup. The eyeholeshaped like a bird symbolizes wit andtactfulness. The broad nose and mouthpresents a magnificent image, The forehead is exaggerated like a calabash tosymbolize the weapon Meng Liang used.The helmet and red banners and ear ornaments show that Meng Liang was ageneral using red banners.

[ Paper Cutting: Dou Erdun ]

Jiao Zan is a figure in the famous drama called “Generals of YangFamily", He was a general under Commander Yang Yanzhao, who ledthe army of Song Dynasty against the invasion of Liao Kingdom intothe central part of China. Together with Meng Liang, they were calledthe right and left arms of Commander Yang. jiao Zan appeared in anumber of dramas in the Peking Opera, such as “Teasing with jiaoZan",“Muke Mountain Village” and “Crossroads”

The paper cut for jiao Zan uses wh.and cross for facial makeup and sying. The eyehole shaped like a bird symnbolizes wisdom and tactfulness. Thebroad nose represents magnificenceThe eyebrow is turned up a little andthe cheeks painted pink to more vividlvpresent Jiao Zan's facial expression andattractiveness. One helmet dotted withwooly balls is put on the head. Thebeard and the black backup and earornaments show that Jiao Zan was ageneral using black backup banners.

Modern Era: In the 20th and 21st centuries, Chinese paper cutting has been recognized as an important part of China's cultural heritage. Efforts have been made to preserve and promote this traditional art form, with many artists exploring new techniques and materials to create innovative works.

Chinese paper cutting is characterized by its intricate designs, which often depict scenes from nature, mythology, folk tales, and everyday life. Some common motifs include animals, flowers, and auspicious symbols. The art form is also known for its use of bold colors and strong visual impact.

There are two main techniques used in Chinese paper cutting: scissors cutting and knife cutting. Scissors cutting involves folding the paper and using scissors to create symmetrical designs, while knife cutting requires the use of a sharp knife to carve patterns on a single layer of paper placed on a soft surface.

In conclusion, Chinese paper cutting is a vibrant and intricate art form with a long history and unique characteristics. Its rich cultural heritage continues to inspire artists today, who are constantly pushing the boundaries of this traditional craft.