Discover Unique Paper Cutouts In The Shops Of Beijing
Invention Development Advice - Business Identity and Artwork
Paper cutting is an ancient Chinese art that was developed about 2,000 years ago in the Han dynasty, right after paper was invented. Artists in different regions of China have invented many local styles of paper cutouts over the years. In the local shops of Beijing, you can buy exquisite paper cutouts done in different styles.
by AndyLao


Paper cutting is an ancient Chinese art that was developed about 2,000 years ago in the Han dynasty, right after paper was invented. Artists in different regions of China have invented many local styles of paper cutouts over the years. In the local shops of Beijing, you can buy exquisite paper cutouts done in different styles.

Chinese paper cutouts often show pictures of landscapes, houses, people, animals, and flowers. The designs are usually symmetrical and created by cutting a piece or several pieces of folded paper. Chinese living in the countryside especially like to use paper cutouts to decorate their homes. Because they are most often put on windows, the cutouts earned the nickname "window flowers." As a common practice, cutouts designed with auspicious Chinese characters are used for festivals and other events like weddings. As a tradition, most cutouts are made by women.

It is believed paper art started to take off during the Tang dynasty. The British Museum in London has works made in this period that show a high level of craftsmanship. In the Song dynasty, as the paper-making industry flourished, more varieties of paper were invented, and paper cutting became a very popular pastime for many Chinese. They became so popular, even patterns for porcelain were designed based on paper cutouts. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, this art reached its peak.

There are three main regional styles of paper cutting in China: the southern style, the Jiangzhe style, and the northern style. Cities in these regions produce a variety of sub-styles that have distinctive local characteristics.

The Southern Style: Paper cutouts made in Foshan, Wuhan, and Fujian are the most famous southern styles.

Foshan - Foshan is a city in Guangdong province. Like other Guangdong art, Foshan's paper cutouts are famous for their lavish designs and strong colors. Both Chinese and overseas customers like the work produced here.

Wuhan - Wuhan's paper cutting is influenced by the local "Chu" culture. Paper cutouts produced here are famous for their vivid pictures and deep cultural meanings. Some of the best paper cutout artists of China are from this area.

Fujian - Paper cutouts produced in Fujian province are known for their animal designs. The interesting design of a famous work called "Chicken-Feet Flower" is cherished by many.

The Jiangzhe Style: Jiangzhe is the region in China that includes Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Paper cutouts made in these two provinces have their own regional characteristics.

Jiangsu - Paper cutouts made in Jiangsu are most famous for their depiction of flowers. The beautiful and delicate flowers artisans make not only look lifelike, but also have a touch of romance.

Zhejiang - Zhejiang paper cutouts have elegant designs and exquisite craftsmanship. The designs usually show things in nature and "Yue" play characters. Some of the cutouts are used to decorate lanterns.

The Northern Style: Of all the northern styles, the Shanxi style, Shaanxi style, and Shandong styles are the most well known.

Shanxi - Village people in Shanxi province live in traditional cave-houses with minimal decorations. The paper cutouts they make generally reflect this reality - most of them have a very simple design. They also have a rough feel, similar to the character of the local people.

Shaanxi - Paper cutouts produced in this province are said to be "living fossils." Some of the oldest patterns from ancient China are shown on these beautiful cutouts. Because of its isolated location from the rest of China, Shaanxi has been able to preserve things from the past.

Shangdong - Shangdong paper cutouts are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and unique local characteristics. Village women in the province like to put small pieces of paper on windows that eventually create a large, complete work. Paper cutouts made in this way have a unique look.

The high-quality, unique paper cutouts in some of Beijing's local shops are not something you want to miss. Find a personal shopper to help you find the shops and buy some exquisite products.

More information:

A. Lao has written about Chinese arts and crafts for years. He assists a Personal Shopper in Beijing who brings visitors to great Chinese shops. Sometimes he personally tailors personal shopping trips.

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