In the 1960s, some paper cut artists carved two masterpieces 'Panda' and 'Steed'. They delicately engraved some 100 flower pattern on a tiny piece of only one square centimeter. When President Richard Nixon saw them during his China visit, he just could not believe his eyes and marveled at extraordinary craftsmanship.

More amazingly, artists can also carve different patterns on paper of different colors and then overlap them to create three-dimensional images. Most of thin line paper-cut works depict rural life. Artists use simple lines to create vivid and interesting artworks. Among them, the most famous two are "Fishermen" and "Phoenix and Peony".

 Unique Craftsmanship

Thin line paper cut requires soft thin paper. Artists engrave patterns and figures on soft paper with steel knife. Usually, four knives with different blazes are needed to complete an artwork. Artists usually polish knives by themselves so that they can come up with their techniques and strength. As 10 to 20 pieces of paper are usually pressed for cutting, knives must be sharp enough.

An ox fat plate is also needed for paper cut. Pine fat and ox fat are battered and boiled. And then it is poured on a wood plate with a size of 30x35 cm and basked in the sun.

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