Chinese embroidery is a traditional folk art form with a long history. It is an important part of Chinese arts and crafts. Not only women, but also men can take part in the production of embroideries. They are commonly used for clothing such as theatrical costumes. We can also find embroidery on the surface of purses and shoes.In the past, only the people of upper classes

Chinese paper-cuts can be dated back to the Eastern Han Dynasty. It was Cai Lun who invented paper which is regarded as flexible, versatile and adaptable. In the Tang Dynasty, paper-cuts became a subject of poems. During the following periods, this art form gained more and more popularity. Later, the Chinese paper-cuts were brought to other parts of the world.
In the countryside of China, paper-cuts are an important part of everyday life for women. In the past, every girl was supposed to master the art form.

Even brides were often judged by their skill of cutting paper. However, the great masters of Chinese paper-cuts were usually male artists. But today, it is mostly the countrywomen and girls who possess good paper-cut craftsmanship.

What makes the Chinese Paper-cuts different from other Chinese art forms?
Chinese paper-cuts are believed to be the first type of paper-cuts designs. This unique art form is quite outstanding for its exacting lines and ingenious patterns. It has been a significant part of Chinese folk culture since the ancient times.

Different forms of Chinese paper-cuts

Paper-cuts are a well-liked art form in the whole country. People from North and South, East and West can cut papers quite well.

Province paper-cuts have interesting shapes and express connotations. Paper-cuts in Shandong Province are rich in patterns with unique aesthetic and unrestrained styles.The paper-cuts in South China, especially in Guangdong and Fujian Provinces, are quite famous. The Cantonese always make rigorous, decorative, elegant, and splendid cuts, while the paper-cuts of Fujian have a very different style.
Other examples of this art form are Yangzhou paper-cuts in Jiangsu Province and the folk paper-cuts from Zhejiang Province. The Yangzhou paper-cuts are spiritual and elegant. And the Zhejiang paper-cuts focus on subjects such as flowers, fruits, birds and fish.

Distinctive crafts made by hand
Chinese paper-cuts are all made by hand instead of machines. There are two common methods in making paper-cuts: the scissor cutting and knife cutting techniques.
When made by a pair of scissors, several papers can be cut together at one time. But usually no more than 8 pieces. The artist cuts the motif with sharp, pointed scissors to shape the desired pattern.

the artist cuts the motif into the paper by following a pattern with a sharp knife. In comparison with scissor cutting, knife cutting takes less time and is easier to operate.

Widely used through everyday life

Today, Chinese paper-cuts are used for religious and ceremonial purposes. They are buried with the dead and burned at funerals. They were also used as offerings to ancestors and the gods.
Additionally, paper-cuts are chiefly used as decorations. They are also to be used as patterns, especially for embroidery and lacquer wears. They can also adorn walls, windows, doors, columns, mirrors, lamps and lanterns in homes. Chinese people believe that the red paper-cuts on the door can bring good luck and happiness to the whole family. The paper-cuts are more often

seen during traditional Chinese festivals, particularly in Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival. They are also given as presents or gifts to good friends or other family members. In Chinese traditional culture, paper-cuts can reflect many aspects of life such as prosperity, health, or harvest.

Chinese paper-cuts are considered to be an expression of good wishes and hopes. In ancient China, endless wars and natural disasters meant that there was suffering in the lives of the people. Paper-cuts conveyed the wishes for wealth, health and longevity and so a better quality of life. During the Spring Festival, the character “ Fu (福)” is pasted upside down on the door to express people’s wish for the coming of happiness. When a man and woman get married, the red paper-cuts with the character “Xi (囍)” is a traditional decoration. It is believed that this paper-cut will bring the new couple happiness. At a birthday party of an older person, paper-cuts with the character “Shou (壽)” are often seen.   The Chinese Paper-cuts are good

embodiments of Chinese traditional culture and concepts. The development of this art form is also an example of the long Chinese history. If you want to know more about China, paper-cuts should not be ignored. They will bring you the satisfaction of achieving the knowledge of truth, beauty and goodness; fill your heart with joy.