Discover Yangzhou's Charming Cut-Paper Art

By China Paper Cutting Museum

China Paper Cutting Museum

BonsaiChina Paper Cutting Museum

Yangzhou paper cuts

Chinese paper-cuts fall into two categories roughly based on artistic styles, namely, the northern and the southern. The renowned Chinese scholar Mr. Guo Moruo (1892-1978 AD) once composed a poem applauding the fabulous paper-cut art, which means,

“I once saw the paper cuts from North China and was amazed by their innocent and genuine beauty; Now I see the paper cut-outs from South China and am fascinated by their exquisite and elegant charm; This is an ingenious folk craftsmanship created simply by a pair of scissors; May its charm last forever.”

With their delicate, lively and elegant beauty, Yangzhou paper cuts have evolved into the masterpieces of the paper cut art in South China.

Jacket with Dragon and Phoenix Patterns (2010) by Xiong ChongrongChina Paper Cutting Museum

Jacket with Dragon and Phoenix Patterns by Xiong Chongrong

Butterflies Flying Around Peony Blossoms (2013) by Zhang ZhenmeiChina Paper Cutting Museum

Orioles and Desert Roses, paper cut-out by Zhao Hongmei

This piece illustrates an idyllic spring scene so beautiful that it seems to only exist in dreams. Desert roses start to bloom in the warm spring breeze. The most spectacular among these flowers are the two charming red blossoms, with petals waving in the gentle wind. The green leaves, seemingly insignificant, are the important elements that serve as a foil to the refined, elegant beauty of the flowers. The orioles are reluctant to leave the branch, singing beautiful songs.

BonsaiChina Paper Cutting Museum

Bonsai Series by Xiong Chongrong

BonsaiChina Paper Cutting Museum

BonsaiChina Paper Cutting Museum

BonsaiChina Paper Cutting Museum

Bonsai Series by Xiong Chongrong

BonsaiChina Paper Cutting Museum

Bonsai Series by Xiong Chongrong

BonsaiChina Paper Cutting Museum

A Bright Future (2013) by Yang XueChina Paper Cutting Museum

Harmonious Rhythm, paper cut-out by Zhang Zhenmei

Egret and Narcissus (2013) by Zhang ZhenmeiChina Paper Cutting Museum

Harmonious Rhythm, paper cut-out by Zhang Zhenmei

Harmony 1 by Zhang ZhenmeiChina Paper Cutting Museum

A Delight to Watch (2013) by Li HaixiaChina Paper Cutting Museum

A Delight to Watch, paper cut-out by Li Haixia

Credits: Story

Wang Jing
Xiong Chongrong
Zhao Hongmei
Zhang Zhenmei
Yang Xue
Li Haixia
Gao Xing

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more

Interested in Visual arts?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites