A zhi pu lion

Zhi pu ("paper sculpting") is another unique genre of Qiuse arts in Foshan. Zhi pu handicrafts actually include paper, cloth and lacquer sculptures. Over the past several hundred years, after many reforms and innovations, the techniques of making zhi pu handicrafts were gradually improved. Some famous items include archaized porcelain, bronze and iron ware, as well as human figures, animals, wooden and stone sculptures, redwood articles and metal art ware. It is very difficult to distinguish zhi pu artworks at Qiuse contests from real objects.

To create a zhi pu artwork, the first step is to make a clay or gesso mold and then dry it in the sun. Next, the first layer of paper is pasted to the mold, which requires much patience. During this process, the paper is torn into many small triangles, dipped into clean water to moisten, and then evenly pasted one after another to the mold. Then, the second, third and fourth layers of paper are pasted on top to obtain the desired thickness.

The third step involves carefully carving the desired patterns onto the paper cast and peeling unwanted parts off the mold. Lastly, the mold is painted. Much care is required in the pigmentation process to make the artwork as lifelike as possible.