Information about window grilles

Window grilles are paper cuts affixed to window paper or window glass. In the past, people in both the south and the north would put up window grilles during the Spring Festival. Nowadays in the South, it is only posted when you are getting married, and is generally not posted during the Spring Festival. In the north, window grilles are still popular. In Fengning, Hebei, if a house does not have window grilles during the Spring Festival, people will speculate whether something happened to the family.

One of the varieties of paper cutting. To enhance the festive atmosphere, many rural areas post paper-cuts on their windows before the Spring Festival. The style of window grilles is generally relatively free. Except for the "corner flowers" affixed to the four corners and the folded "round flowers", there are no restrictions on the outline. In order to adapt to the general window panes and avoid affecting the lighting, its size is not too large, and attention should be paid to the hollowness and transparency. In order to enhance the artistic effect and create a strong atmosphere, many window grilles are often posted on one window, either matching in content or echoing in form. The theme content of window grilles is very wide, with a large number of opera stories. Window grilles are more common in the north.

[Edit this paragraph] Introduction to window grilles

Window grilles are the most widely distributed, largest and most popular variety among folk paper-cuts. It is divided into "North and South styles". The south is beautiful in "exquisiteness", which is characterized by exquisiteness and clarity; the north is beautiful in simplicity and vividness, which is characterized by innocence and simplicity. Other paper-cut varieties are developed and extended on the basis of window grilles. Rural areas all over the north and south must put up window grilles during the Spring Festival to decorate the environment and enhance the atmosphere, and to express the wish to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new year, and to receive good fortune and good fortune. Regardless of the subject matter, expression techniques, and cutting and carving techniques, window grilles are the most representative of the cutting and carving arts. Modern and modern window decorations have gradually formed an independent art category, but because they originally originated from cutouts during folk festivals or folk activities, and were mostly pasted on white paper on rural windows, they are called "window decorations". For everyone, window grilles are a wonderful title that can arouse a lot of lingering and emotions. On the first day of the first lunar month, commonly known as the Spring Festival, on this day, decorating the home environment with window grilles has become an important part of the Spring Festival celebrations in my country.

The first type of window grille cutting is single-color cutting, which is mostly used for red paper cutting and has a wide range of applications. The second is colored paper-cutting, which is generally used for large windows in palaces and shops, or windows in halls and facades. The third is relief paper-cutting, which is popular in Gansu and Qinghai areas. It combines cutting and paper-folding techniques and has a unique style. The fourth is colored window grilles, which can be divided into dyeing and lining. Dyeing window grilles are most famous from Fengning and Yu County in Hebei Province. Carved first and then dyed, the color is bright and lustrous, and the light and shadow effects are excellent. Colored window grilles are the most famous ones produced in Foshan, Guangdong. The main pattern is cut out of gold foil paper and tin foil paper, and backed with various colored papers. It is magnificent, magnificent and elegant. This practice is called "copper lining."

[Edit this paragraph] Paper-cut art

Each art has its own unique artistic style, which is determined by the paper-cut material (paper) and the tools used (scissors and carving knives) Paper cutting has its own artistic style. Paper-cut art is a folk skill that is "easy to learn" but "difficult to master". Most of the authors are from rural women and folk artists. Because they (she) use the things they see and hear in real life as themes and observe the objects, It is entirely based on simple emotions and intuitive impressions, thus forming a special style of paper-cut art that is rich, simple, concise and bright, reflecting the unpretentious spirit of farmers.

[Edit this paragraph] Paper-cutting experience

1. Connecting and disconnecting lines

Paper-cut works are cut or carved on paper. Because of the hollowing out, paper-cuts with positive patterns must be connected line by line, and paper-cuts with negative patterns must be cut line by line. If part of the lines are cut, the entire paper-cut will be fragmented. , can't form a picture. This resulted in a structure that is inexhaustible and cuts through thousands of times. This is an important feature of paper-cutting art. Paper-cutting pays great attention to lines, because the picture of paper-cutting is composed of lines. Based on practical experience, the lines of paper-cutting are summarized into five words: "round, pointed, square, missing, and line." The requirements are: "round like the autumn moon, pointed like wheat awns, square like green bricks, without jagged teeth, and lines like beards." It can be said that lines are the basis of paper-cut modeling.

2. Composition and patterning

In terms of composition, paper-cutting is different from other paintings. "It is more difficult to express the three-dimensional space, the overlapping of scenes and images, and it is difficult to express the overlapping of objects and images." There are also often breakthroughs in proportions and perspective relationships.

It is mainly based on the relationship between the image and the content, and often uses combination techniques. Due to the exaggerated deformation of the shape, it can also use some rules of the beauty of pattern form to achieve symmetry, uniformity, balance, combination, continuity, etc. It can arrange the sun, moon, stars, birds, clouds, buildings, people, and animals on the ground into one picture at the same time. Common forms include "building layers high" or using "partitions to change scenery".

3. The image is exaggerated, concise, graceful and rhythmic

Due to the limitations of tools and materials, paper-cutting is required to grasp the characteristics of the object and make The connection to the lines is natural. Therefore, naturalistic realistic techniques cannot be adopted. It is required to focus on the main parts of the image and boldly discard the secondary parts to make the main body clear at a glance. The shape should be prominent, forming a simple and generous sense of grace, the image and posture should be exaggerated, the movements should be large, and the postures should be graceful, just like the debut movements on the stage, with a sense of rhythm.

4. Colors are simple and bright.

The color requirements of paper-cutting should be simple and complex, and the combination of the same color, similar color and adjacent color should be avoided. It is required to seek coordination in contrasting colors. Also pay attention to the proportion of colors. If one main color is used to form the main tone, the contrast of other colors can be reduced to varying degrees. Sometimes when various colors are juxtaposed and it feels a little stiff, put them in black respectively. In the main manuscript cut in gold, you can get a harmonious and bright feeling.

5. The knife technique must be "stable, accurate and skillful"

Many characteristics and styles of folk paper-cutting are due to certain skills in knife techniques, such as Zhang Yongshou The "Hundred Chrysanthemums" created uses knife skills in many places. For example, a chrysanthemum with "Arhat's beard" has straight petals when it first opens. When it blooms, it curls up to form a spiral ring. To cut this kind of chrysanthemum, you need to cut petals one by one from the inside to the outside. After cutting, the petals curl. Only by doing so freely can you create a chrysanthemum with a unique image and unique flavor. If you want to carve a chrysanthemum called "Egret Feather", because when it blooms, one petal is nested inside another petal, and one petal is hooked with another petal. When cutting this kind of chrysanthemum, you need to use the "cutting method", and the cut area should be in pieces. When the petals are connected and the petals follow each other, the thickness and size of the petals can be varied and varied, and the cut flowers can be as plump and beautiful as the feathers of an egret. The "qiao" here mainly refers to the "sawtooth" and "crescent moon" carved out with a skillful knife. These are two very important knife techniques in paper scissors. Proper use of these two knife techniques can create the unique "knife-like paper feel" of paper-cutting art.

[Edit this paragraph] Window grilles styles

The window grilles in Shandong are mostly straight strips, which are suitable for mullioned windows in the area; the window grilles in the northwest are in the The Chinese character "十" is used to divide the complete paper-cut into four large pieces, which is also suitable for the formation of a cross grid in the center of the window in this place. The window decorations in Hunan have a fixed combination form, usually a double happiness group flower in the center, butterfly corner flowers in the four corners, and a pair of wedding candles, flower baskets and plate flowers on both sides of the group flower. In order not to affect the indoor lighting, the window grilles are mostly sun-cut to obtain more hollow area. The outer outline of the window grille and the window frame must be close and well-balanced, and the composition must be balanced. In addition to being a beautiful decoration, it can also play a practical role in cold protection and ventilation. In order to pursue a fresh, bright and lively interior decoration effect, window grilles are often cut and carved with thin lines to achieve a hollow and exquisite visual effect.

[Edit this paragraph] Themes of window grilles

The themes of window grilles are extremely broad, including dramatic figures, historical legends, flowers, birds, fish and insects, landscapes, real life and auspicious patterns. The performance content of window grilles can be said to be all-encompassing. But the most common ones are flowers, animals, and festive and auspicious patterns, often with "auspicious and festive", "good luck in good years", "abundant grains", "prosperity of people and animals", "more than enough year after year", "noble flowers and auspicious birds" as the main themes. "Dragon and phoenix bring good luck" is always the theme of folk art. The dragon and phoenix are beautiful in shape, and the detailed and accurate depiction expresses people's psychology of praying for blessings and auspiciousness. The themes of window grilles also include stories, characters, operas, customs, etc., which are mostly popular in the Yellow River Basin and northern rural areas. Common ones include the characters and plots of Three Kingdoms Opera, Water Margin Opera, Western Games, folk tales and local operas. Even the folk tale "The Rat Gets Married" has become a theme for window decorations. Among them, the window grilles with auspicious meaning are the largest in number. The folk custom function of window grilles is the most concentrated. It not only beautifies the living environment, but also expresses the pursuit and desire for ideal life.

Praying for a prosperous life, prosperity for future generations, longevity, warding off evil spirits and welcoming good luck are the most commonly expressed themes in window grilles, reflecting the ancient and rich cultural connotation of window grilles. It can be seen from the window grilles spread in the Jiangnan area that window grilles represent the artistic language of paper-cutting better than other paper-cut styles. The technological characteristics of window grille paper-cutting have surpassed the simple decorative function of folk activities, thus changing the development pattern of paper-cutting as a single form. For example, the paper-cut embossed window grilles in Gansu use paper-tying techniques; the dyed window grilles in Hebei draw lessons from folk paintings; and the silk window grills in Nantong organically combine paper and textiles. Window paper-cutting, as a folk activity during the festival, not only beautifies the residential environment, but more importantly, becomes the object of people's aesthetic exchanges.

[Edit this paragraph] The use of knife skills

"Sawtooth" is naturally produced by the author during the production process due to the cutting movement of paper and knife. It uses the length of the sawtooth. , density, curvature, hardness and softness, blunt and sharp variable ratios, combining the characteristics of different objects to express its texture, volume, structure, etc.

When carving a plant, the soft zigzag pattern can express its flowers and fruits, while the hard zigzag pattern can express the needles and plushness of the tree's leaves and stems. When carving animals, fine zigzag patterns can represent soft down, strong zigzag patterns can represent hard manes, and round and semi-arc zigzag patterns can represent the feathers and scales of birds, fish and insects.

When carving animals, fine zigzag patterns can represent soft down, strong zigzag patterns can represent hard bristles, and round and semi-arc zigzag patterns can represent the feathers of birds, fish and insects. and scales.

When carving characters, use beating zigzag patterns to express moving eyebrows, beards, and hair, and use slender and plump zigzag patterns to express the plump skin of children. "Crescent moon" is also a variety of arc-shaped decorations naturally produced during cutting and carving. It is mainly incised, mainly showing the character's clothing pattern, or destroying large black areas. According to the characteristics and shape of the individual object, it can be long. It can be short, wide or narrow, curved or straight, and can be transformed into various types.

"Crescent moon" is also a variety of arc-shaped decorations naturally produced during cutting and engraving. It is mainly incised, mainly showing the character's clothing pattern, or destroying large black areas, according to the individual image. Its characteristics and shape can be long or short, wide or narrow, curved or straight, and can change into various types.

The two forms of "sawtooth" and "crescent moon" are often used interchangeably in different paper-cut pictures, making the layers more distinct and varied. In addition to "sawtooth" and "crescent", the forms of folk paper-cutting include flowers, swirl patterns, cloud patterns and water patterns.

Since the emergence of sawtooth and crescent moon in the paper-cutting techniques of "Tuanhua" and "Tuanhua" during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, after a hundred years of historical evolution, it has continued to this day and has become a This pattern of decorative patterns is loved and used by people. In addition to "sawtooth" and "crescent", the forms of folk paper-cutting include flowers, swirl patterns, cloud patterns and water patterns.

When cutting a large number of paper cuts at the same time, when using the knife, it is necessary to cut or not. The cut paper will appear thicker than the cut paper. When using the knife, you must move it up and down like a hacksaw, and the force must be firm and even. Otherwise, the knife will lose its flexibility when traveling thousands of miles. Be careful not to swing back and forth from side to side. The knife must be held vertically up and down, so that the carved paper cuts will be accurate. When cutting paper, the cutting and lifting of the knife must be accurate, especially where the knives are connected. Go down as soon as you say it, and lift it as soon as you say it. Otherwise, the lines will be easily cut by the knife or cut continuously and the paper will be cut. Tear.

[Edit this paragraph] The Beginning of Spring and Window Flowers

Window flowers are closely related to the Beginning of Spring and have been the way people welcome the spring since ancient times. The beginning of spring has passed this year. Have you put up window decorations at your house? In order to welcome the spring, people in many areas of our country, especially in the north, like to put various window grilles on their windows.

Window grilles are folk paper-cut artworks in various colors and patterns, with a history of thousands of years. The first form of window grille cutting is single-color cutting, which is mostly used for red paper cutting and has a wide range of applications. The second is colored paper-cutting, which is generally used for large windows in palaces and shops, or windows in halls and facades. The third is relief paper-cutting, which is popular in Gansu and Qinghai areas. It combines cutting and paper-folding techniques and has a unique style. The fourth is colored window grilles, which can be divided into dyeing and lining. Dyeing window grilles are most famous from Fengning and Yu County in Hebei Province. Carved first and then dyed, the color is bright and lustrous, and the light and shadow effects are excellent.

The most famous color-lined window grilles are produced in Foshan, Guangdong. The main pattern is cut out of gold foil paper and tin foil paper, and backed with various colored papers. It is magnificent, magnificent and elegant. This practice is called "copper lining." The window grilles in Shandong have many straight strips, which is suitable for mullioned windows in that area; the window grilles in the northwest use the word "ten" to divide the complete paper-cut into four large pieces. In order not to affect the indoor lighting, the window grilles are mostly sun-cut to obtain more hollow area. The outer outline of the window grille and the window frame must be comfortable and well-balanced in composition. In order to pursue a fresh, bright and lively interior decoration effect, window grilles are often cut and carved with thin lines to achieve a hollow and exquisite visual effect.

Window grilles are closely related to the beginning of spring. Li Shangyin, a poet of the Tang Dynasty, once wrote in a poem: "It is better to work with gold to spread Jing customs, and to cut green to bring people to Jin style." After the Song and Yuan Dynasties, the time to welcome the spring with paper-cut window decorations was changed from the beginning of spring to the Spring Festival. People used paper-cuts to express their joyful mood in celebrating the coming of spring. Window grilles have considerable content that expresses farmers' lives, such as farming, textiles, sheep herding, chicken raising, etc. In addition, window grilles also have themes such as myths and legends, opera stories, etc. In addition, images of flowers, birds, insects, fish and the twelve zodiac signs are also very common. Window flowers use their unique generalization and exaggeration techniques to decorate the festival with prosperity and joy