With its origin in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the paper-cut of Foshan flourished in Ming and Qing dynasties and is one of China's famous traditional handicraft(handicrafts are activities such as embroidery and pottery which involve making things with your hands in a skilful way) arts.

The Foshan paper cuts(佛山剪纸Fóshān jiǎnzhǐ) are divided into different styles, and named after the materials and making methods - copper lining, paper lining, copper writing, silver writing, woodcut, copper chiseling, and solid color etc. The copper lining material, copper writing material and copper carving material are the most typical.