Chinese Folk Designs

Chinese Folk Designs is a digital collection of 300 traditional cut-paper patterns used for embroidery, accompanied by 160 Chinese art symbols and their meanings. This PDF edition is available as an instant download after purchase.

Compiled by W. M. Hawley and first published in 1949, this Dover Pictorial Archive edition reproduces the original plates in full size. It offers a practical reference for artists, designers, embroiderers, and students of Chinese visual culture.

Book Overview

This book gathers hua yang, the freehand cut-paper designs traditionally used as embroidery guides for small everyday items such as footwear, caps, dresses, and aprons. The collection was assembled by Wang Li-an and Huang Chung over several years from the Chinese provinces of Kiangsu, Chekiang, Kiangsi, Honan, Kweichou, and Anhwei.

Each design is reproduced full size, with an index of subjects ranging from dragons, phoenixes, and butterflies to flowers, landscapes, and folklore figures. The supplement explains 160 Chinese art symbols and their meanings.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• 300 cut-paper designs used for embroidery, reproduced at full size
• 160 Chinese art symbols with their meanings
• Designs organized by province, including Kiangsu, Chekiang, Kiangsi, Honan, Kweichou, and Anhwei
• An index covering subjects such as dragons, phoenixes, birds, flowers, fish, and folklore scenes
• Examples of hua yang patterns connected to New Year charms and household decoration

Why This Book Matters

Chinese Folk Designs preserves an often overlooked branch of Chinese art. Paper cutting served as an intermediate step in the production of embroidered textiles, and these patterns were rarely documented in Chinese art literature.

As part of the Dover Pictorial Archive Series, the book provides reusable reference material for creative projects while retaining its cultural and historical value.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download. No physical item will be shipped. Access is available immediately after purchase.

The PDF can be viewed on desktop computers, tablets, smartphones, and compatible reading apps, including Kindle apps and other PDF readers.

FAQ

How do I access this book after purchase? You will receive an instant download link immediately after purchase.

Will a physical copy be shipped? No. This is a digital product delivered as a PDF file.

Which devices are supported? The PDF works with most desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, as well as Kindle apps and other PDF-compatible applications.

Download Chinese Folk Designs today and keep a classic reference of Chinese cut-paper embroidery patterns at hand.

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