6th century CE, Northern Dynasties
traditional crafts
UNESCO Intangible Heritage
East China
active
Chinese paper-cut (jianzhi) is the art of cutting intricate designs from paper using scissors or knives. Dating back to the 6th century, it is one of China's most popular folk arts. Paper-cuts are used for window decorations, door signs, and wedding ornaments. Designs often feature auspicious symbols — bats (good fortune), fish (abundance), and peonies (wealth). Regional styles vary from the delicate detail of Yangzhou to the bold shapes of northern Shaanxi.
Skills & Techniques
Chinese Paper-Cut Techniques expand_more
The art of cutting paper into intricate designs using scissors or knives, with distinct regional styles and symbolic motifs.
Steps
- Select thin, tough paper (xuan paper or specialty colored paper)
- Sketch the design lightly in pencil
- Fold paper for symmetrical patterns
- Cut outer outline with scissors
- Carve interior details with a knife on a cutting mat
- Mount the finished cut on backing paper or frame
Tools
scissors (fine-tipped), paper-cutting knife, cutting mat, pencil, tweezers, mounting brush
Materials
xuan paper, colored art paper, rice paste, mounting silk
Related Places
Relationship Constellation
This heritage item connects to 9 entities across the atlas — masters, places, festivals, and stories.
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