Chinese Paper Cuttings

This month's feature is a collection of Chinese paper cuttings. They are numbered in the museum collection under #1993.005.631. Paper cutting is a folk art originating from China, following the invention of paper. Early uses for paper cuttings were in decorating hair or in rituals, but eventually paper cuttings became used as wall and window decorations. Traditional cuttings are monochrome, often red due to its association with luck and happiness. Cuttings convey wishes for prosperity, luck, good careers, and other well-wishes upon the house or family associated with the decorations. 

The ten cuttings shown here feature monochrome and multi-colored pieces of varying size. The red cuttings are colored only on one side, while the multi-colored cuttings are dyed through to both sides. The subject of each piece represents luck or goodwill in different forms. Dragons are associated with abundance and prosperity, and lions are usually presented in pairs to represent good luck and prosperous careers. Roosters are part of the Chinese zodiac, and the characters for the name sound similar to 'auspicious'. Horses are admired in China, and laden horses represent wishes for government positions. In particular, the horse with a tree growing above it has nine symbols among the leaves in the same color, representing the legend of Liang Hao, a man who passed the civil service exams at age 84. Baskets of flowers are used to represent the immortal Lan Caihe, and symbolize riches and good luck. Paper cuttings often have multiple symbols incorporated into the design, and the many of the ones shown here feature a combination of animals and plants.  

We hope that you enjoyed this peek at our collection! We'll be back next month with another artifact. Have a great January!