(Scissorcutting)
The earliest evidence of papercutting comes from China where, during the dynasties as early as 156 BC, paper was cut to symbolize money. Although these examples are not considered "art" as such, from that time forward there seems to be a distinct development toward that end. In recent years many excavations in China have produced not only the earliest paper, but also some preserved and complete papercuts. Those discoveries are important in dating the early stages of this art back about 1500 years. Written records indicate that at least by the year 608 AD, papercutting had become a popular form of art in China.
From the continent of Asia via the famous Silk Road, as well as along lesser trade routes, papercutting reached the Middle East probably sometime during the 8th century AD. By the year 1400 AD, there is evidence that papercuts were being done in part of these cultures. As a result of the expansion of the trade and mercantile routes this art form underwent an expansion as well when it arrived onto the European continent. This happened about the time of the 17th century, where it was practiced mostly in the countries of Italy, France, Holland, Germany and Switzerland. Just as had been the early function in China, in these countries, too, papercuts were used primarily for religious functions. It is of some note that in Europe at the time, these beautiful artworks were cut from white paper...a startling contrast to the colorful works from China. Black was introduced later, and then both black and white designs were cut using knives and very fine scissors.
As happens with all art forms, papercutting too evolved. Papercut profiles were an affordable alternative to the more costly portrait paintings of the times. A French minister of finance in 1759 by the name of Etienne de Silhouette himself did papercut profiles instead of expensive oil portraits in order to keep the cost of government spending under control. His name became synonymous with the result: the silhouette.
Whatever image the papercutting artist uses, the intended result must be viewed in a totally new way because the finished work is cut out of an entirely connected piece of paper. The true art of papercutting may lie in it's apparent simplicity...no paints or brushes are used, only a knife or a pair of scissors and a single piece of paper. It is as Goethe said: "It is an art of omission, reduction and consciousness of the essentials. It's limitation shows the real master."