Paper cutting (Dai nationality)

Name of China's national intangible cultural heritage: paper cut (Dai People's paper cut)

Applicant: Luxi City, Yunnan Province

Project No.: 315

Project No.: Ⅶ - 16

Time of publication: 2006 (the first batch)

Category: traditional art

Region: Yunnan Province

Type: new item

Applicant: Luxi City, Yunnan Province

Protected by: Mangshi Cultural Center (Mangshi Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center)

Introduction to paper cutting (Dai People's paper cutting)

Applicant: Luxi City, Yunnan Province

Dai paper-cut is mainly popular in Luxi City, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The earliest form of paper-cut originated from the paper flags used in Dai sacrificial rites. Later, under the influence of Buddhist culture and Central Plains culture, it gradually developed into a perfect paper-cut and was widely used in sacrifice, Buddha worship, funeral, festive and home decoration. In Luxi, almost all Dai villagers can cut paper.

The paper-cut of the Dai nationality in Luxi is made of special scissors, knives, chisels and hammers. The scissors and knives are sharp, sharp, narrow and thin, and can cut eight layers of paper. The chisels and hammers are stable, flexible and flexible, and can cut more than 50 layers of paper at a time. Dai paper-cut is divided into two methods: cutting and chiseling. There is no need for paper-cut samples, which can be cut at hand; chiseling requires paper-cut samples, which can be made according to the samples. The main paper-cut products of Dai nationality are Zha, Dong, Buddha banners, hanging lamps, hanging buildings, boards, etc. they are mostly used to decorate the doors and windows of the Buddha Hall, Buddha umbrellas, Buddha banners and performance props, festival color sheds, water splashing dragon pavilions, etc. Most of the contents of Dai paper-cut are related to the Theravada Buddhism in the south, involving Buddhist scriptures, folklore and frontier products, with a strong flavor of life and local flavor.

Common graphics include dragon and Phoenix, peacock, elephant, lion, unicorn, red deer, horse, fish and all kinds of strange animals and birds, as well as sticky flowers, lotus, rose, chrysanthemum, camellia, Rhododendron and other flowers and trees, as well as pavilions, pagodas, temples and other buildings, which are vivid, neat, symmetrical and beautiful, with rough and powerful style and simple. Dai paper-cut plays an important and special role in the local social life. From the connotation to the external forms of paper-cut, it reflects the Dai People's historical and cultural tradition, aesthetic pursuit and unique national spirit.

In the current rapid social changes, Dai paper-cut is facing difficulties. Because of the low income of paper-cut artists, most young people are reluctant to engage in this industry. At present, there are few inheritors of Dai paper-cut, and they are old. This characteristic national art is in urgent need of rescue and protection.