Chinese paper was invented by Cai Lun in the in eastern China during the Han Dynasty. Chinese paper cutting was the first type of design, since the paper was invented. This art form spread to other parts of the world, and each region had their own cultural styles. These cut out were sometimes used to decorate doors, and windows; sometimes referred to as Window flower.
Chinese paper cutting is an art form that has existed for thousands of years featuring both national and regional themes. An Song dynasty scholar, Chou Mi has mentioned several paper cutters who could cut paper with scissors into a great var-iety of designs and characters in different styles, and a man who could cut characters and flowers in his sleeve. During the Qing Dynasty allot of different paper cutting skills were being developed, including drafting, and the use of smoked papers. Paper cutting has become traditional female activity in the rural countryside. Every girl was expected to master it and br-ides were judged by their skill in the past. Professional paper cutting artist are usually male and have guaranteed incomes, and work together in workshops.
The more advanced paper cuttings are usually done in stacks where it unfolds into some 3D object, like a lantern. Red is the most popular color. Today, paper cuttings a Chiefly decorative. They ornament walls, windows, doors, columns, mir-rors, lamps, and lanterns. They are also used as gifts to homes. Paper cuttings were once used as patterns, especially for embroidery and lacquer work. Paper cuttings are fashioned by putting several layers of paper on a soft foundation consist-ing of tallow and ashes. Fallowing the pattern an artist cuts the motif paper with a sharp knife held vertically. Skilled artist cut out different drawings freely without stopping
