Paper Cuttings paper-cut making technique is an intangible cultural heritage of Kaizhou District, Chongqing, with a long history and unique artistic charm.

1、 Historical background

Paper Cuttings is one of the traditional folk art forms in China, and Kaizhou Paper Cuttings is famous for its exquisite skills and unique style. The history of this art form can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty, and it is still an ongoing handicraft passed down by the people of Kaizhou.

2、 Production process

The production process of Paper Cuttings in Kaizhou is very particular, which needs to go through many links, such as design, material selection, cutting and carving, mounting, etc.

Design: The design of Paper Cuttings works is the first step of production, which determines the style and theme of the works. The design of Paper Cuttings in Kaizhou is usually based on folk stories, legends, auspicious patterns, etc., implying good luck and beauty.

Material selection: The selection of Paper Cuttings is also very important. Usually, paper with fine texture and strong toughness is selected, such as rice paper, red paper, etc. These papers are not only easy to cut and carve, but also can present the delicacy and delicacy of Paper Cuttings works.

Cutting: Cutting is the core of Paper Cuttings. Kaizhou Paper Cuttings has exquisite cutting skills, which requires craftsmen to have rich experience and skills. During the cutting process, craftsmen need to accurately grasp the strength and angle of the scissors to ensure smooth lines and complete patterns.

Mounting: After the completion of Paper Cuttings works, they need to be mounted. Mounting can not only protect Paper Cuttings works, but also enhance the artistic value of works. The mounting of Kaizhou Paper Cuttings usually adopts traditional Chinese style, such as scroll mounting, mirror frame mounting, etc.

3、 Artistic Features

The artistic characteristics of Paper Cuttings production techniques in Kaizhou are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Exquisite composition: The composition of Kaizhou Paper Cuttings is very exquisite, with smooth lines and vivid patterns. Craftsmen skillfully integrate various patterns and elements through clever ideas and exquisite skills, forming vivid and interesting images one after another.

Colorful: Paper Cuttings in Kaizhou is very colorful, with red as the main color, which means auspicious and festive. At the same time, craftsmen will also choose other colors of paper to match according to the theme and style of the work, making the work more colorful.

Profound moral: Paper Cuttings in Kaizhou has a profound moral, which usually expresses people's yearning and pursuit for a better life through auspicious and beautiful patterns. These patterns not only have artistic value, but also profound cultural connotations and social significance.

4、 Inheritance and Development

As an intangible cultural heritage, Paper Cuttings production skills in Kaizhou have received extensive attention and support from the local government and society. In order to protect and inherit this skill, Kaizhou District has taken a series of measures, such as holding Paper Cuttings skill training classes and establishing Paper Cuttings skill inheritance bases. These measures not only help cultivate new inheritors, but also promote the inheritance and development of Paper Cuttings production skills in Kaizhou.

At the same time, Kaizhou Paper Cuttings also actively combines with modern life, and continues to innovate and develop. Some craftsmen integrate modern elements into Paper Cuttings works, making them more in line with modern aesthetics and market demand. In addition, Kaizhou Paper Cuttings also promotes and sells online and offline, so that more people can understand and love this traditional handicraft.

To sum up, Paper Cuttings production skills in Kaizhou is an intangible cultural heritage with profound cultural heritage and unique artistic charm. Through continuous inheritance and development, this skill will continue to contribute to the economic and cultural prosperity of the Kaifeng region.