Chinese Folk Papercut
Paper-cut is an ancient folk art in China. This traditional art form with special patterns can be dated back to 2000 years and is loved by people at home and abroad. It is one of the most popular traditional arts in China.
The themes involved in Chinese folk paper-cut art are diverse and colorful. They vary from subjects in daily life with which people are familiar to the future life about which people dream. These subjects teach us the simple and pure feelings of working people.
Features of paper-cut:Track of knife and the appearance of paper
A paper-cut of high-quality should have the styles and characteristics of paper-cut art. Each kind of art has formed its special style due to the different tools used and their functions. For example, Chinese paintings attach importance to the ink, while the western oil paintings emphasize the effect of colors. The woodcarvings pay particular attention to white and black. The paper-cut requires the effects of both knife work and paper. A paper-cut is not a good one if it is carved using a knife imitating a board painting. A true paper-cut should be the one presenting artistic figures using the language of paper-cut.
Exquisitely carved
One of the important characteristics in paper-cut art is that all the figures are created out of the exquisitely carved patterns, which asks not only for good tools and high quality materials but also good technique. The paper-cut must allow the transmission of light; otherwise, the paper-cut will black out the windows.
Emphasis on decoration
An excellent paper-cut should emphasize the function of decoration. The design should be neat and symmetrical; the surface equal and elegant; the lines suitable in thickness; and the color vivid, soft and harmonious. These elements are the key points in decoration. Besides, there are some specific skills such as 'crescent' and 'hackle mark' in paper-cut works, which are also important elements in decoration.
Exaggeration
The art of paper-cut emphasizes the exaggerated patterns and the elegant outline. Everything has its beautiful and ugly points. However, the purpose of artistic exaggeration is to give prominence to the beauty and minimize the ugliness, which can be changed into beauty through the artistic exaggeration techniques.