Cultural treasure of China: Chinese paper cutting

CGTN Europe

Jianzhi or Chinese paper cutting is thought to have originated in the 6th century CE.  The art form is typically created using red paper as the colour is associated with good luck and festivities.   #chineseculture #pattercutting #chineseculture #culture #chinesepapercutting

Transcript

00:00Chinese paper cutting, known as Jianzhe, is thought to have originated during the 6th

00:11century CE. However, some believe that its history could be traced back further.

00:19Usually the artworks are made of red paper, as the colour red is associated with festivities

00:25and luck in Chinese culture.

00:29Red paper artwork is used as a way of decorating doors and windows during festivals such as

00:35Chinese New Year and weddings, symbolising good wishes and happiness.

00:43The common tools used in Chinese paper cutting are scissors or an engraving knife.

00:52Yin and yan are the two main techniques used in paper cutting. Yin refers to the process

00:58of cutting out a defined shape, whereas yang refers to cutting out the negative space

01:05around that shape.

01:09Works are mainly divided into southern and northern styles.

01:15The southern style utilises fine and precise cuts to create intricate lace-like patterns

01:21showcasing themes from nature such as plants and animals.

01:28The northern style is known for its exaggerated shapes and vigorous designs, emphasising

01:33strong lines, symmetry and contrast, and often features themes from Chinese mythology and

01:40historical figures.

01:45Today paper cutting is one of the most popular folk arts in China.

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