Papercut China: Collections of Auspicious Designs [Mandarin and English Text]

Hardcover in publisher's slipcase. Dual text: Mandarin and English. "Papercut is a picture cut out on a paper with scissors. The picture patterns are often pasted on the lintels, windows, or lanterns to express the feelings of joy and the perceptions in life. Hence the scissors-cut is also known as "scissors-picture" or "paper-cut for window decoration." The patterns are often designed from events in the jubilant festivals, bumper harvest of the cereals, stories of the folk opera, children or animals, and others. They are very beautiful and interesting, and are widely popular among Chinese people. The art of paper-cut may be traced back to a period as early as the ancient South and North Dynasties. It appeared at the same time of discovery of Chinese papermaking and is still prosperous across China. The paper-cut of the south is delicate and beautiful, and those of the north are robust and energetic. The paper-cut art has become one of the magnificent and beautiful flowers in the Chinese national artistic treasures."--Introduction