Paper cutting

en.nantong.gov.cn Updated: 2022-01-07

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Paper cutting is one of the most popular traditional folk art in China due to its low cost.

The art form has a history that dates back to the Painted-Pottery Culture during the Neolithic Age.

Women used to paste golden and silver foil cuttings onto their hair at the temples, and men used paper cuttings in sacred rituals. Paper cutting works are now a popular choice of decorations during festivals.

Paper cutting in China generally fall under two categories – North School and South School. The former is rough and simple while the latter is elegant and intricate.

Gu Ruming, an inheritor of Nantong's intangible cultural heritage paper cutting, has been creating exquisite works for more than 40 years.

In addition to traditional subjects such as flowers, plants, and animals, Gu is especially good creating water towns in paper cutting form.

In 2021, Gu created 16 paper cutting works to commemorate 16 grand moments and great figures in the history of the Communist Party of China. The works were also meant to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. Gu also made paper cutting works to express his gratitude to medical workers and other people in fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

To welcome the upcoming Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Gu has created art works featuring Olympic sports events and the Game's mascot.

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