Chinese Folk Designs [antikvár]

A WORD ABOUT THE HUA YANG W PATTERNSThis book achieves the impossible in that it presents an entirely untouched and long ignored aspect of Oriental art: paper cutting.Since the Mongol Dynasty, scholars and scientists of every race and persuasion - lay and rehgious - have returned from China with examples of that nation's skills; few have so much as made reference to the subject covered in this book.The Chinese themselves totally neglected to include this art, in this utilitarian phase, in their exhaustive art literature, perhaps becauseof its obvious peasant origin---and because primari y it is only anintermediate step in the production of what they consider a superior handicraft: their rich embroideries.Chinese embroidery patterns fall into two categories---thosewhich are sketched, a device used on larger projects, and the hnayang which are used for small articles of everyday use: women's and children's footwear, children's caps and dresses, aprons It is the hua yang with which we are herein concerned.The hua yang designs are cut freehand with scissors, as we cut silhouettes, but perhaps a stack of several at one time. Most are so intricate as to preclude more than a very few being produced at one cutting. However, coarser designs are turned out in some volume by the use of chisels and small knives. Plate 148 shows this method.It is not known where these cut paper designs originated, the date of their beginning, or when they first were adapted to the delicate needs of the embroiderer. Evidence exists that they have been in common use for many centuries. Prototypes, still found in every Chinese province and village, are the red and gilt paper charms and household gods of festive and ritual use, particularily in evidence dur-the New Year celebrations. Hua yang from Honan (2.47 - 15 6) show the connecting Hnk, being adaptable to both purposes: pasting on silk to embroider over, or on walls as charms. Reproductions are full size.This exceptionally fine collection was gathered by Wang Li-an and Huang Chung over a period of years, from the following Southernand Eastern provinces---Kiangsu plates i - 151, Chekiang 152. - 2.06,Kiangsi Z07-2.46, Honan ^47-156, Kweichou r-^j-i-Go, Anhwei z6i - 300.It is hoped that this presentation will furnish new inspiration to students in many fields of artistic endeavor.W. M. Hawley September 1949.