Foshan Paper Cutting (Foshan Kezhi) is a unique and distinguished branch of Chinese folk art. While Chinese paper cutting is generally divided into the "Northern Boldness" (Bei Guang) and "Southern Elegance" (Nan Xiu) styles, Foshan’s contribution is a breathtaking blend of delicacy, high-tech precision, and unapologetic gilded opulence.
The Key Distinction: The Art of the Knife (
Dao Wei)
The greatest characteristic that sets Foshan's art apart is its method: the primary tool is the carving knife (kè dāo), not scissors. This is why older generations in Foshan prefer the term "Paper Carving" (Kezhi) over "Paper Cutting" (Jianzhi).
- The Advantage of Precision: The knife grants the artisan unparalleled precision for complex curves and intricate details, something difficult to achieve with scissors . Furthermore, the knife allows the carver to cut through multiple layers of paper simultaneously , dramatically increasing efficiency. This choice of tool reflects Foshan's historical status as one of China's "Four Famous Towns," renowned for its sophisticated commerce and handicraft industry.
- The "Knife Flavor": This technique results in a style known for its "fine, delicate, and exquisite lines" , giving the art a sharp, disciplined quality often referred to as "Knife Flavor" (Dao Wei).
The Gilded Canvas: Copper Foil and the Aesthetic of Splendor
Foshan Paper Carving is renowned for breaking the traditional boundary of "paper." The art is famous for incorporating specialty materials, most notably copper, silver, and tin foils .
- The Gilded Effect: Based on the copper foil, Kezhi has developed unique styles like Copper-Lined (Tong Chen) and Copper-Chiseled (Tong Zao). The aesthetic is defined by the contrast between local, vivid colors (like Eternal Red or blue) and the shimmering metallic gold from the copper foil . This striking use of gold creates a unique sense of "Gilded Splendor" (Jin Bi Hui Huang) and radiant color unmatched by other regional paper arts in China .
- Cultural Significance: This preference for the ornate and the opulent is a direct reflection of Lingnan culture's pragmatic, materialistic, and optimistic spirit—a tradition that embraces wealth and uses it to celebrate life, making the art a valuable commercial and decorative product . The carving techniques themselves are an inherited evolution of ancient Chinese traditions that utilized carved gold and metal foils.
Window Flowers (
Chuanghua): Visual Symbols of Fortune
Paper carvings play an essential role during the Lunar New Year and other traditional festivals . Known as Chuanghua (Window Flowers), they are pasted onto windows, doors, and interior walls .
- Symbols of Hope: Chuanghua are powerful visual symbols, designed using clever puns and homophones to convey wishes for a better life.() Common themes include the universal wishes for Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity, and Happiness (Fu Lu Shou Xi) .
- Moral Narratives: The intricate designs often contain miniature scenes from Chinese opera, historical figures, or folk tales (such as The Legend of the White Snake) . In traditional times, these festive decorations served as a form of visual cultural education within the family, teaching children about history and moral values during the holidays .
Traveler’s Guide: Experiencing the Knife and the Foil
- The Hands-on Workshop: To truly appreciate the precision and difficulty of Kezhi, seek out a Foshan Paper Carving Workshop.() The key is the hands-on practice: you will learn to use the carving knife and the specialized techniques for applying copper foil. Creating your own small, shimmering piece is the best way to understand the high level of craft required to achieve the "Gilded Splendor" aesthetic.()
- Seeing the Scale: Look for large-scale Kezhi pieces in museums or major buildings. Foshan paper carving has successfully been adapted into large architectural wall murals (some based on classic novels like Dream of the Red Chamber) , demonstrating the art form's versatility and enduring appeal.