The unique art of paper cutting in China may date back to the 2nd century AD, when Cai Lun, an Eastern Han Dynasty court official, invented paper. But even prior, during the Western Zhou Dynasty (9th century BC), people were cutting tree leaves into various art forms and giving them out as presents. In the 6th century AD, women would paste golden and silver foil cuttings onto their hair at the temples, and men used paper-cut symbols in sacred rituals. With its delicate decorative patterns, paper-cutting remains one of the most important types of Chinese folk art today.
Referred to as chuāng huā, “window flowers,” paper cut-outs often decorate doors and windows during the Chinese New Year. Light shines through the elaborate designs creating interesting visual patterns. Red paper is often chosen to symbolize happiness and festivity, while the designs depict images of lotus flowers, plants, birds, and animals.
2023 is the Year of the Rabbit representing hope and longevity for the year to come. Chiang | O’Brien Architects sends you these good tidings during this Chinese New Year celebration (January 22 – February 5, 2023)!