Paper-cutting is one of the oldest and the most popular folk arts in China, and can be geographically divided into southern and northern style. Chinese Paper Cutting or Jianzhi (剪纸) is the first type of paper-cutting design, since paper was invented by Cai Lun in the Eastern Han Dynasty in China. The art form later spread to other parts of the world with different regions adopting their own cultural styles. Because the cut outs are also used to decorate doors and windows, they are sometimes referred to "chuāng huā" (窗花), meaning Window Flower.
Chinese Paper-cutting originated from ancient activities of worshipping ancestors and gods, and is a traditional Chinese culture. According to the present archaeological records, it originated from 6th century, however people believed that its history could be traced as early as the Warring States Period (around 3 BC), long before the paper was invented. At that time, people used thin materials, like leaves, silver foil, silk and even leather, to carve hollowed patterns for beauty. Later, when paper was invented, people realized that this material was easy to cut, store and discard. Thus paper became the major material for them to use, and people habitually called this artistry paper-cutting, or Jianzhi in Chinese. During Ming and Qing Dynasty (around 1368 – 1912), this artistry witnessed its most prosperous period.
Today, paper-cuttings are chiefly decorative. They ornament walls, windows, doors, columns, mirrors, lamps and lanterns in homes and are also used on presents or are given as gifts themselves. Entrances decorated with paper cut outs are supposed to bring good luck.
Today, paper-cuttings are chiefly decorative. They ornament walls, windows, doors, columns, mirrors, lamps and lanterns in homes and are also used on presents or are given as gifts themselves. Entrances decorated with paper cut outs are supposed to bring good luck.
The "SAC-2016 poster" is designed to recruit Truman students to join Truman Study Abroad China Trip in Summer 2016. Paper-cutting is one of the iconic folk art styles that can translate traditional Chinese culture. I created the paper-cutting illustration of fire monkey on the wheel because lunar 2016 is the year of monkey in Chinese custom, and the pattern of wheel is similar to the national emblem of Republic of China. I used the illustration as the focal point for the poster when designing the poster for Truman State University's Center for International Education and Study Abroad Office. The poster design was approved by Truman Study Aborad Office on October 27, and was printed in November 2015.
