Chinese paper-cut

Paper-cut is a traditional art whose origin is connected with the invention of paper during the Han dynasty (206 BC - 221 AD). As paper was precious during the early days, the art of paper cutting first became popular in the royal palaces and houses of nobility. By the 14th century, the art had spread to Japan and then to the Middle East and Europe via the Silk Road. Widely used during folk festivals and celebrations, paper cuts often contain auspicious wordings, and are also used for window decorations, clothes-making stencils and embroidery patterns for shoes. So paper-cut has more than 2000 years of history in China. Even now, most of artwork dealers import silhouettes from china.