History of Paper Cutting

Paper cutting is an art with a long history. Its first origins date back to the 4th century after the invention of the paper by the Chinese. Some of their earliest uses for paper cutting were for religious decorations or stencils used for patterns in embroidery. For a long time, this art form was popular among high-society women, but it soon spread to other classes. Paper cutting practices ranged from the skilled craftsman to its evolution into the folk art world. People displayed paper cut designs in windows, as paper lanterns, and on furniture, just to name a few.

Paper cutting Cultural Uses
Many other cultures began using paper cutting in a variety of different techniques and as part of celebrations. A couple of the most popular cultural uses for paper cutting are papel picado banners in Mexico or kirigami in Japan. Papercut silhouettes became popular in England during the Middle Ages. It became an art form in itself.

What is papercutting?
Paper cutting is the art form of cutting paper with sharp scissors or a knife. It can be as simple or intricate as the paper artist chooses. It has definitely stood the test of time and will continue to be popular art form amongst many cultures. Many famous paper artists of the past still inspire current paper cutting practices.