Unique Chinese Paper Cutouts For Shoppers In Beijing

by Andy Lao

Chinese paper cutting an old art developed shortly after paper was invented 2 000 years ago. Though ancient paper cutting now widely practiced the regions all across China. When shopping Beijing be sure to check out this unique Chinese art.

In China paper cutouts are sometimes referred to as chuang hua or window flowers because people the countryside like to use them to decorate their windows doors & walls. These works often have double-sided design with images landscapes houses people animals or flowers. During festivals people like to design cutouts with auspicious Chinese characters like Fu Shou or Xi which mean Fortune Longevity & Happiness. In traditional household women are responsible for making such items.

During the Tang dynasty Chinese paper cutting was developed into fine art. Cutouts from this period are preserved by the British Museum London & show high level craftsmanship. During the Song dynasty paper cutting became favorite hobby among Chinese as the thriving paper industry enabled people to use whole range new paper products. The porcelain items made this period show many patterns designed based on paper cutouts. In the Ming & Qing dynasties this art reached its zenith.

In China there are three major styles paper cutting developed by artisans different regions the country. They are the southern style the Jiangzhe style & the northern style.

The Southern Style Paper cutouts made Foshan Wuhan & Fujian are the most famous southern styles.

Foshan Foshan artisans like to produce paper cutouts with bright colors & extravagant designs. Even though their theme loud they are liked by lot people including both Chinese & overseas customers.

Wuhan Wuhan city located the ancient Chu culture area. The paper cutouts made here incorporate elements from this culture. They are famous for their vivid images & rich cultural meanings.

Fujian Artists Fujian province like to depict animals. Some famous cutouts like Chicken-Feet Flower have very interesting animal designs.

The Jiangzhe Style Jiangzhe region China includes Jiangsu & Zhejiang province. These two provinces all produce elegant paper cutouts have unique beautiful designs.

Jiangsu Paper cutouts made Jiangsu are most famous for their depiction flowers. The beautiful & delicate flowers artisans make not only look lifelike but also have touch romance.

Zhejiang Paper cutouts produced Zhejiang province are used to adorn both homes & lanterns. They are famous for their elegant designs & exquisite craftsmanship. Characters from Yue plays & beautiful things nature often appear on the designs.

The Northern Style Of all the northern styles the Shanxi style Shaanxi style & Shandong styles are the most well known.

Shanxi Village people Shanxi province live traditional cave-houses with minimal decorations. The paper cutouts they make generally reflect this reality most them have very simple design. They also have rough feel similar to the character the local people.

Shaanxi Paper cutouts produced this province are said to be living fossils. Some the oldest patterns from ancient China are shown on these beautiful cutouts. Because its isolated location form rest China Shaanxi has been able to preserve things form past.

Shandong Paper cutouts from Shandong are famous for their exquisite craftsmanship & unique appearance. Village women this province like to use small pieces various cutouts to decorate windows so the complete work will have unique look.

The high-quality unique paper cutouts some Beijing s local shops are not something you want to miss. Find personal shopper to help you find the shops & buy some exquisite products.

About the Author:

A. Lao has written about Chinese culture & history for years. He now works with Beijing personal shopper http://www. myshoppingbeijing. com/ who brings customers to special Chinese stores. From time to time he personally tailors personal shopping trips. http://www. myshoppingbeijing. com/article. php?id=32