Papercuts depicting Chinese lion dance

Description:	The art of making decorative papercuts has a long history in China. It developed soon after the invention of paper during the Western Han Dynasty (202 B.C. - A.D. 8). Chinese papercuts are completely hand-cut using only scissors and engraving knives. Papercuts of many different colors and designs are displayed as decorations during celebrations, including weddings, festivals and Chinese New Year. Many people display them in the windows of their homes and businesses. These papercuts depict the Chinese lion dance, an energetic and colorful dance performed for a variety of occasions, including marriages, the opening of new businesses or restaurants, shrine festivals, and Chinese New Year. If performed well, it is believed that a lion dance chases away evil spirits, wards off illness and disease, and brings good fortune.
Source:	http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/991
Collection:	The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Rights:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/;
Copyright:	Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0);
Geography:	China
Subjects:	China Folk art--China Paper work Paper sculpture Decoration and ornament- China Paper work--China China--Social life and customs Chinese New Year

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