Paper-cuts by chinese folk artists [antikvár]

PAPER-CUTS BY CHINESE FOLK ARTISTSPaper-cuts are a decorative art form popular among peasants in China. They are made by peasant women or other folk artists of the craft, and used as decorations on doors, windows, walls and paper lanterns, or as embroidery patterns forpillow cases, slippers, babies' caps, aprons and other items of clothing. The best-liked designs include human figures, animals, birds, fish, insects, flowers or crops and vegetables. There are also designs with scenery, designs based on folk legends, and good-luck designs for happiness and prosperity.Most paper-cuts are made with a pair of scissors, but some are made with a knife. The characteristics of paper-cuts are simplicity, vigour of line, clarity and vitality. In every part of China, they have a style of their own. Some of them look rough and simple, while others are delicately traced; still others may be a combination of these characteristics. But all have originality and charm for young and old.