The Chinese invented paper around the first century A.D., so it was only natural for them to come up with ways to creatively use this invention. Chinese historians generally agree that the art of papercutting didn’t surface until about the sixth century. Since paper was still very expensive, only the rich could afford paper for decorations, writes Nigel Cameron in The History of the Chinese Papercut for China Now magazine.
Papercuts Are Made by Hand
Papercuts are made by cutting very thin paper with a scissors or knife. Papercuts are very fragile and tear easily. Red paper is traditionally used to make papercuts, though more modern subjects will be done in the colors of the rainbow. Sharp-pointed scissors and knives are used to cut the paper, usually several sheets at a time. Beginners usually work from a pattern, but more experienced cutters work in freehand, according to the Beijing newspaper People's Daily.
Chinese Papercuts Available in Many Subjects
Traditional subjects are Peking Opera masks, animals in the Chinese Zodiac, flowers and maidens wearing traditional garb. More modern subjects are pandas and those catering to Western influences such as Santa Claus, rodeos and Disney characters.
Papercuts Used for Decorations
Papercuts come in all sizes, from the usual 3” x 5” to several feet high. Papercuts are usually used as window decorations, especially around holidays, much like Westerners put up Christmas lights. They’re also used on Chinese lanterns and doorways. Many Chinese frame the larger papercuts. Sometimes papercuts are used as patterns for embroidery or lacquer work.
Using Chinese Papercuts at Home
Travelers can find many uses for the papercuts when they return home. They make excellent gifts for anyone who has asked the traveler to bring them something from China. Many travelers frame a series of small papercuts and then make a wall arrangement with them. Creative types who make their own greeting cards will find them very handy. For example, Christmas-themed papercuts can be used on holiday cards; use double-sided tape to stick them to the card stock. Papercuts can also be used in decoupage projects.
Where to Find Chinese Papercuts
Chinese papercuts are available throughout China, especially in hotel gift shops. In Beijing, the China National Art Gallery (Meishuguan) has an excellent section, as do many of the shops on Liulichang Street. They can also be found at the Friendship Store as well as arts and crafts shores on Wangfujing Street. A pack of eight to 10 papercuts should cost around $1.
Other Lightweight Souvenir Ideas
Chinese chops, or signature seals, also make inexpensive souvenirs and gifts when they're personalized with a traveler's name. Silk scarves are another lightweight option, but more expensive than than papercuts and seals.
Cheryl Probst - Cheryl Probst is an award-winning photojournalist who specializes in writing about motorcycles, China and the Pacific Northwest.
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