The history of window grilles

China paper was invented in the Western Han Dynasty BC, before which paper-cutting was impossible. But at that time, people used thin materials to make handicrafts, but it was popular before paper appeared, that is, patterns were carved on gold foil, leather, silk and even leaves by carving, carving, picking, carving and cutting.

In the Warring States period, the use of leather engraving and silver foil engraving was exactly the same as that of paper-cutting, and their appearance laid a certain foundation for the formation of folk paper-cutting. After the Song and Yuan Dynasties, the time to cut and paste window grilles to welcome the Spring Festival began in beginning of spring. People used paper-cutting to express their joy in the Spring Festival, which is the origin of cutting and pasting window grilles in the Spring Festival.

Window grilles have a history of thousands of years, and gradually spread and shaped during the Song and Yuan Dynasties. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the paper-cut handicraft art matured and reached its peak. The traditional paper-cut handicraft art of Han nationality is widely used, for example, the flower decorations on Han folk lanterns, decorative patterns on fans, embroidery patterns, etc., are all reprocessed with paper-cut as decoration.

The main reason why folk paper-cutting can be widely spread for a long time is the performance function of accepting blessings and welcoming auspicious events. The geographical closure and cultural limitations, as well as the intrusion of adversity such as natural disasters, aroused people's desire for a happy life. People pray for ample food and clothing, prosperity, health and longevity, and all the best. This simple wish is conveyed through paper-cutting.