The representative figure of Yuxian paper-cutting

Yuxian paper-cutting is mainly based on "intaglio engraving" and "stippling", so there is a saying of "three division of labor and seven dyeing". The representative of the first generation is Wang Laoshang (1890― 195 1). The representative of the second generation, Zhou Yongming (1929- 1986), is from Nanzhangzhuang Village, Yuxian County. Member of China Artists Association and director of China Folk Paper-cutting Society. His main works include One Hundred Faces, Legend of the White Snake, Little Eight Sisters' Spring outing, Dream of Red Mansions, Sanchakou, Dream in the Garden, The Three Wars of Lu Bu, Noisy Heaven, Monkey King Thrice Defeats the Skeleton Demon, Mulan, Eight Immortals, Doll Play and Tumbler. During the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, he also created a series of modern characters such as Harvest, Barefoot Doctor, People of All Nationalities in China, and a series of modern opera characters such as The Red Lantern, Shajiabang, Taking Tiger Mountain Outwardly, White-haired Girl and Chaoyanggou. At the same time, Zhou Yongming also expanded the theme of flowers, birds, fish and insects. His series of works "Butterfly" was a must at that time, as well as a series of works such as Single Bird, Two Birds, Cat, Panda and Chrysanthemum. Zhou Shuying, a third-generation paper-cut artist, is the inheritor of Yuxian paper-cut project, a national intangible cultural heritage. Graduated from Central Academy of Fine Arts, member of the 9th, 10th and 11th CPPCC, and awarded the title of "China Folk Arts and Crafts Artist" by UNESCO. His father, Zhou Yongming, is the only direct disciple of Wang Laoshang, the founder of Yuxian paper-cut art, the second generation famous paper-cut artist in China. Influenced by family art since childhood, Zhou Shuying loves the art of paper-cutting. She learned from her father and practiced all the skills of carving, painting and dyeing. Her artistic style is in the same strain as her father Zhou Yongming, and she has created six new technologies. It is the authentic successor of the third generation paper-cut art in Hebei, China. Paper-cut works such as Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival, Butterfly Scene, Tree of Life, Farmhouse, Auspicious Scene and Peony are collected by Central Academy of Fine Arts and China Art Museum.

According to historical records, Yuxian paper-cutting began in Daoguang period of Qing Dynasty, with a history of 150 years. People in Yuxian generally refer to paper-cutting as "window grilles", and "bright skin" can be said to be the earliest form of window grilles, that is, painting and coloring mica sheets for decoration. In the early days, it was popular to embroider "patterns" on shoes, wallets and pillows. Later, the woodcut watermark window grilles in Wuqiang County, Hebei Province were introduced, which absorbed its color characteristics and imitated the transparent effect of "bright sky", replacing cutting with engraving, forming the unique style of Yuxian paper-cutting.

The representative figure of Yuxian paper-cutting is Wang Laoshang (1890- 195 1). The theme of Yuxian paper-cut is mostly taken from traditional Chinese opera characters, with auspicious images such as flowers, fish, insects, birds and animals.

Yuxian paper-cuts are mostly handed down from generation to generation by unknown peasant artists, including opera figures, birds, insects, fish and beasts, and descriptions of rural real life. These works are full of composition, vivid modeling, bright colors, exquisite and rich, concise and exquisite. Stick them on the paper window, through the outdoor sunshine, they look particularly exquisite and colorful, especially fresh and smart, with a cheerful, clear and unique style.

Yuxian paper-cut has a wide range of themes, profound implications and rich flavor of life. Whether it reflects people's prayers for good luck and happiness, or it comes from historical stories, folklore and people loved by working people; Whether it is the reproduction of the unique cultural background and folk customs in the north, or the four seasons celebrations and wedding ceremonies, it reflects the superb wisdom and rich imagination of folk artists. Coupled with the dense modeling design, meticulous and exquisite knife work, gorgeous and bright unique touch dyeing, each work is very vivid, interesting and durable.