Among the many intangible cultural heritages in China, the art of paper-cutting is still shining after thousands of years with its unique charm and profound cultural connotation. This ancient art is not just as simple as cutting various patterns on paper with scissors, it carries rich folk beliefs and philosophies of life, and is a microcosm of traditional Chinese culture.
The art of paper-cutting originated in ancient China, and according to archaeological discoveries, the earliest paper-cut works can be traced back to the period of the Six Dynasties. It may have been used in religious ceremonies or as an ornament at first, but it was gradually incorporated into people's daily lives. The content of the paper-cut is mostly taken from natural landscapes, folklore, historical stories, etc., and is rich in the beautiful meaning of auspiciousness.
In terms of technique, paper-cutting is divided into monochrome paper-cutting and multi-color paper-cutting, and there are various ways such as yang carving, yin carving and yin and yang combination. Among them, yang engraving is to keep the pattern and cut off the rest of the part, so that the work presents a hollow effect; Engraving is to keep the background and cut out the pattern so that the work looks like a shadow attached to the paper. In addition, there are three-dimensional paper cuts, which make the flat paper show a three-dimensional effect through delicate folding and cutting.
Paper-cutting is not only a skill, but also a cultural inheritance. In rural China, especially during the Spring Festival, every household is decorated with red paper-cut window grilles in hopes of bringing good luck and happiness. Animal images such as dragons, phoenixes, fish, and bats are commonly found in paper-cuts, symbolizing power, beauty, abundance, and happiness, respectively. These traditional symbols have been passed down from generation to generation in the art of paper-cutting, serving as a bridge between the past and the future.
With the development of the times, the art of paper-cutting is also constantly innovating. On the basis of traditional skills, modern paper-cutting artists have incorporated more modern elements and personal creativity, making the art of paper-cutting more diverse and international. At the same time, paper-cutting has also been applied to design, clothing, decoration and other fields, broadening its artistic boundaries.
However, in the face of the onslaught of modernization, this ancient art is also at risk of being lost. To this end, China's ** cultural institutions are actively taking measures to protect and inherit the art of paper-cutting, such as including it in the national list of intangible cultural heritage, holding exhibitions and competitions of paper-cutting art, and encouraging the younger generation to learn and inherit this art.
In short, the art of paper-cutting is a treasure in the treasure house of Chinese culture, which uses paper as a medium and a knife as a pen to draw a beautiful picture of life. We should cherish this wisdom from ancient times, so that this art that has passed through thousands of years will continue to shine on the stage of world culture.