A brief look at the art of Jewish papercutting and other papercut traditions around the world. Spiritual, interpretative and decorative uses for Jewish papercut art. COPYRIGHTED; NO SHARING WITHOUT LINK TO SOURCE.
3. PapercuttingAround the WorldFirst paper made in China around 1st century CE The Chinese form of papercuttingis known as asJianzhiWhen the Muslims conquered part of Asia in the 8th century, they learned to make paperFirst paper plant in Baghdad opened in 794From there, papermaking was exported to Sicily and Spain, then to Italy, France, and Germany
10. Early Jewish PapercutsIn Europe, many leading manufacturers were Jewish. Most of the earliest Jewish papercutsfrom Europe can only be dated back to the to the late 18th century or early 19th century, though it can be assumed that the art goes back much further. Papercuttingis mentioned in a rabbinic treatise in 1345.
11. A folk art that expresses Jewish traditions, rituals, and religious impulses.
15. Mizrach
Means “east,” the direction to face for prayer. This art was placed on an eastern wall of homes or synagogues as a reminder and a focal point for prayer.
19th century
16. Shiviti
Sh'vitiHashem l'negditamid,"I will keep God at the forefront of my mind at all times." Below the lions: "God is close to those who call upon him, to those who call upon him sincerely."(Ashrei)
Artist: Dan Howarth
