Chen Zijiang is a paper-cutting expert whom I interviewed for my article on Chinese Art. Paper-cutting is something that he learned to do from an early age. "It is a Chinese folk art with a long history," Mr Chen told me,"Paper cuts of animals have been found in tombs, which date back to the time of the Northern and Southern Dynasty(386-589)!" He added that by the Southern Song Dynasty(1127-1279),paper-cutting had become an important part of everyday life. "A young farmer who wanted a wife, would look at a young woman's paper-cutting skills before marrying her!" explained Mr Chen,laughing at the look of surprise on my face. Mr Chen went on to explain, that there are three types of paper cuts which people still make today: paper cuts for decoration, for religious purposes and for design patterns.