Paper Cutting

1. Paper Cutting
History and Examples

2. History
•Its origin is believed to have followed the
invention of paper during the Han dynasty (206
B.C.-221 A.D.) in China.
•Paper was highly precious in the early days so
the art of paper cutting first became popular in
the royal palaces and houses of nobility as a
favorite pastime among court ladies.
•Later, during the 7th through 13th centuries,
paper cutting was immensely popular during folk
festivals and celebrations and as home
decorations.
•By the 14th century, the art had spread to the
Middle East, Japan and Europe via the silk road.

3. Early Examples

4. Traditional Chinese

5. Other Countries

7. Art Nouveau
•French for “new art”
•Art movement in the 19
th
-20
th
centuries,
characterized mosty by curvilinear
depiction of leaves, flowers, and vines.
•Roots in Romanticism, Symbolism, and
the Arts and Crafts Movement.

8. Aubrey Beardsley
The Climax
Arthur Mackmurdo
Wren’s City Churches

9. Modern Examples

14. Modern Adaptations

16. Requirements
•Illustration must be a visual representation
of a character trait or emotion.
•Piece must be well balanced and
harmonious using 2 colors.
•Excellent Craftsmanship (no stray or
ragged cuts will a easily recognizable
design)
•Illustration must be original.