Knife Sculpted

Several layers of Xuan Paper are put under the base pattern and a sharp pointed knife is used to
sculpt out the lines. For simple patterns, up to 40 layers of paper can be cut at the same time. For
complex and intricate designs, some paper cut craftsmen only cut 4 - 8 layers of paper at a time. A
good indication of the quality of the cut is to check how round the circular patterns or curves are cut
and how straight the long straight lines are cut.. Experienced paper cut craftsmen can cut perfect
circles using a knife. The beginners usually have some rough edges on their curves,circles and
straight lines.

Scissor Cut

Scissor cut paper art is not as widespread as the knife sculpted paper cuts. First, scissor cutting
cannot handle the extremely complex patterns that can be achieved with knife sculpting. Next,
scissor cutting cannot simultaneously cut as many layers of paper as in knife sculpting. A practical
number is around 8 layers of paper being scissor cut simultaneously. Some very skilled paper cut
craftsmen can cut complex patterns using scissors only. But these kind of highly skilled scissor cut
craftsmen are dwindling. Scissor cut paper art can also be done without the use of a pattern. The
artist just cuts the symmetrical pattern from memory. A lot of scissor cut paper cut art has
symmetrical patterns. The paper is folded and cuts and incisions are made to create the patterns.
Non-symmetrical subjects are also rendered using scissor cutting. Scissor cut paper art of landscapes,
flora and fauna and even portraits are made by some artists in China.