Papercut craft, originating in China in the 6th century, spread west via trade routes to Europe, arriving in Germany by the early 17th century. It developed as a traditional folk practice named Scherenschnitte (scissors cuts). With the popularity of the Regency portrait silhouette, in the 18th and into the 19th century black cut paper on white became fashionable to collect amongst wealthy Europeans. Popular subjects were stories and motifs from folklore, fairytale, nature and the Bible.
The papercuts in this collection are German in style. The exceptional quality of the cutting indicates that this was a professional silhouette artist. It resembles the work of Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach (1851–1913).
The cream backing is 'Parkins & Gotto, London' paper, bearing the blind embossed crest of the Fulford family of the Great Fulford estate in Devon. The family motto is 'Bear Up' and the crest comprises a bear head encircled by a strap and buckle. It seems quite likely, therefore, that the silhouette was subsequently mounted onto the backing by the Fulford family. Parkins & Gotto produced paper in London from 1849 onwards. The paper possibly post-dates the creation of the silhouette itself.
