Zhangling Paper-cutting

Zhangling Paper-cutting

　　Zhangling paper-cutting has a history of several hundred years. Each village has master paper-cutters passed down through generations, earning it the reputation of the “Hometown of Paper-cutting.”

　　Zhangling paper-cutting blends the bold, simple, solemn, and robust style of western Shandong paper-cutting with the delicate, intricate, and exquisite craftsmanship of eastern Shandong paper-cutting, forming a distinctive regional characteristic. The patterns of the paper-cuts have also continuously evolved with the times. Examples include “Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity,” “Rural Joy,” “Rooster Announcing Dawn,” “Three Sheep Bringing Fortune,” “A Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,” and “Abundance Year After Year,” all featuring rich expressive forms, strong decorative appeal, and simple, generalized shapes. Nowadays, Zhangling paper-cutting art has seen new developments, with people carving animal designs onto hard plastic to create dynamic-static combined patterns, becoming a unique hallmark of Zhangling paper-cutting.

　　To pass on this folk art, Zhangling Primary School has specifically introduced a “Paper-cutting” activity course. Many elementary students have continuously improved their paper-cutting skills, with their works frequently published in the “Ink Fragrance” column of *Fengling Literary Garden*, or adopted as illustrations.