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Discover Unique Paper Cutouts In The Shops Of Beijing
By Philippe Chavanne | July 5, 2009
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.
Evidence shows that paper art started to gain momentum during the Tang dynasty. Paper cutouts created in this period demonstrate a high level of workmanship. The Chinese paper industry began to thrive in the Song dynasty, and it was during this time that paper cutting became a popular leisure activity for many Chinese, as more varieties of paper products were made available. The popularity was not limited to the household: even porcelain masters adopted many patterns from paper cutouts for use on their work. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, this art reached another level.
In China, there are three major styles of paper cutting developed by artisans in different regions of the country. They are the southern style, the Jiangzhe style, and the northern style.
The Southern Style: Paper cutouts made in Foshan, Wuhan, and Fujian are the most famous southern styles.
Foshan – Foshan artisans have a long history of making paper cutouts. The work produced here is popular with both Chinese and overseas customers. People like them for their strong colors and luxurious designs.
Wuhan – Wuhan’s paper cutting incorporates elements of the local “Chu” culture. Many famous paper cutout artists in China are from this area. They have created items that have vivid pictures and demonstrate a deep cultural understanding.
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 a region in China that includes Jiangsu and Zhejiang province. These two provinces all produce elegant paper cutouts that have unique, beautiful designs.
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 – Cutouts produced in this province are famous for their elegant, exquisite craftsmanship. Here, themes mainly focus on things in nature and characters from “Yue” plays. They are used to decorate both windows and lanterns.
The Northern Style: The three most famous northern Chinese styles are the Shanxi style, Shaanxi style, and Shandong style.
Shanxi – People in the villages of Shanxi province traditionally live in small caves. One of the most important decorations in their cave-houses are paper cutouts. Their cutouts are simple in design and convey a sense of roughness, typical of the character of the people living in the north of China.
Shaanxi – The geographical location of Shaanxi province is isolated from the rest of China. For this reason, the paper cutouts produced here have preserved many of the oldest patterns from ancient Chinese culture. They are nicknamed “living fossils.”
Shandong – Paper cutouts from Shandong are famous for their exquisite craftsmanship and unique appearance. Village women in this province like to use small pieces of various cutouts to decorate windows, so the complete work will have a unique look.
Shop for some exquisite paper cutouts when you are in Beijing. The city’s amazing local shops have products that will blow your mind. You can find a personal shopper to help you find the right shops and assist you in dealing with the shop owners.
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