Chinese Paper Cutting or Jianzhi is the first type of paper-cutting design, since paper was invented in China during the Eastern Han Dynasty.
It’s a unique visual art of Chinese handicrafts. The art form later spread to other parts of the world with different areas adopting their own cultural styles. After hundreds of years’ development, now they’ve become a very popular means of decoration among country folks, especially women. The paper-cuts are also used to decorate doors and windows, and therefore they are sometimes referred to as “chuang hua”, meaning window flowers. Paper-cuts are chiefly used as decorations. However, today, Chinese paper-cuts are also used for religious and ceremonial purposes, and they’re buried with the dead and burned at funerals.
Chinese people believe the red paper-cuts on the door can bring good fortune and happiness to the whole family. The paper-cuts are more often seen during traditional Chinese festivals, particularly in Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival. They’re also given as gifts to friends or other family members.
Paper-cuttings aren’t produced by machine, but by hand. There’re two methods of manufacture: one uses scissors, the other uses knives. Knife cuttings are fashioned by putting several layers of paper on a relatively soft foundation. Following a pattern, the artist cuts the motif into the paper with a sharp knife he usually holds vertically (垂直地). The advantage of knife-cutting is that considerably more paper cuttings can be made in one operation than with scissor cuttings.
It’s easy to learn about cutting a piece of paper but difficult to master it with perfection. One must grasp the knife in an upright fashion and press evenly on the paper with some strength. Flexibility is required but any hesitation will damage the whole image.
People find hope and comfort in expressing wishes with paper-cutting. For instance, for a wedding ceremony, red paper-cuttings are a traditional decoration on the tea set, the dressing table glass, and on other furniture. A big red paper character “Xi” (happiness) is a traditional must on the newly-wed’s (新婚夫妇) door.
28. What can we learn about paper-cuts?
A.They vary from area to area. | B.They were invented by females. |
C.They are mainly used as presents. | D.They can’t be used in funerals. |
29. What does the underlined word “motif” in paragraph 4 mean?
A.Line. | B.Pattern. | C.Photo. | D.Foundation. |
30. What is the key to perfect knife cuttings?
A.The type of knives. | B.The knife skill. |
C.The amount of paper. | D.The quality of paper. |
31. What can be a suitable title for the text?
A.Paper-cutting: Chinese Folk Art |
B.Paper-cutting: Famous in China |
C.Paper-cuts: Various in Different Culture |
D.Paper-cuts: Widely Used in Ceremonies |