Paper Cutting

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Paper cutting is one of China’s most popular folk arts that have evolved throughout the course of Chinese cultural development.Its origin should be closely connected with the invention of paper during the Han dynasty.As paper was highly precious in early days，the art of paper cutting first became popular in the royal palaces and houses of nobility as a favorite pastime among court ladies.Later，during the 7th through 13th centuries，paper cutting was immensely popular during folk festivals and celebrations.By the 14th century，the art had spread to the Middle East and Europe；and since the 15th century onward，paper cutting art works had become an integral part of people’s everyday life.However，the art of paper cutting was on the verge of dying out during the 19th century as old China experienced successive years of domestic turmoil and foreign invasion.

In the rural areas of mainland China，paper cutting is a traditional female activity.In the past，every girl was expected to master it and brides were often judged by their skills.Professional paper cutting artists are，on the other hand，usually male and have guaranteed incomes and work together in workshops.

Today，paper cuttings are chiefly decorative.Entrances decorated with paper cutouts are supposed to bring good luck.Paper cuttings used to serve as patterns，especially tor embroidery and lacauer work.

In chinese culture，paper cuttings can reflect many aspects of life such as prosperity，health，or harvest.Some cuttings represent There are two methods of paper cutting:one method with scissors，and the other with knives.Scissor cutting involves folding and cutting the paper，and the resulting patterns are usually symmetrical due to the folds.Non-symmetrical cutouts can also be made by using scissors.Knife sculpting of paper is currently widely practiced in China.

Taper cutting is one of china’s ost poular iok arts that have 1 throughout the course of chinese cultural development.ait the etian ane eino tenat ，as a favorite pastime among court ladies.

For upliftine the notability of their respective trade.many trades such as carpenter，bricklayer，stonemason，shipbuilder，rehicle fabricator，etc.all consecrated lu Ban as the founder of their respective trade.Hence，the phenomenon that”artisans of all crafts consecrate Lu Ban”.