Chinese Papercutting
What Is Chinese Papercutting?
Chinese Papercutting (Jianzhi) is one of the most iconic forms of traditional Chinese folk art. It emerged after the invention of paper during the Han Dynasty, flourished through the Tang and Song dynasties, and has long been embedded in everyday life — from festivals and weddings to home decoration and ritual practices.
To this day, papercutting remains an essential symbol of Chinese celebrations, especially during the Lunar New Year, where red paper cuttings are placed on windows and doors to welcome good fortune.
Cultural Significance
- Color: Red symbolizes happiness, prosperity, and abundance
- Motifs: Dragons, phoenixes, flowers, animals, zodiac signs, wedding symbols, and blessings
- Visual Language: Highly symbolic, graphic, and immediately recognizable
Papercutting is not origami, nor simple silhouette cutting.It is often described as:
“Sculpting paper with scissors.”
How Is Papercutting Made?
Step 01 · Choosing Paper
Traditionally, red paper is used for its auspicious meaning.
Step 02· Designing
Patterns are designed according to purpose — festivals, weddings, decoration, or portrait silhouettes.
Step 03· Cutting
Using scissors or carving knives, the artisan cuts directly into the paper. Each line must be precise — there is no way to undo a cut.
Step 04· Revealing
When the folded paper is opened, a symmetrical image is revealed — often described as a moment of “paper magic.”
Step 05· Mounting & Display
The Artisan
Chen Yumei
- ·Intangible Cultural Heritage Artist of Papercutting (Fengtai, Beijing)
- Intermediate Arts and Crafts Artist (Beijing)
- Member of the Beijing Folk Literature and Art Association
- Awarded “Outstanding Qiaoniang” by the Beijing Women’s Federation
Notable experiences include:
- Brand Collaboration
Invited by FENDI to participate in a cultural brand event in Beijing, where she performed live portrait silhouette papercutting for international guests.
She is able to cut a highly accurate side-profile portrait within minutes, capturing fine details down to hair strands — an experience that left many visitors deeply impressed. - Cultural Diplomacy & Public Events
Participated in Beijing Olympic cultural promotion programs and produced papercutting works used as cultural gifts for official receptions and international exchanges. - Awards & Recognition
- Beijing Technical Expert
- Beijing “March 8th Red Banner” Honoree
- Beijing Outstanding Qiaoniang
- Participant in national-level intangible heritage talent training programs
Galary
Bespoke Commissions
Paper cutting can be custom made from any reference image, including portraits, side profiles, animals, and symbolic designs. Each piece is handcrafted upon request. Please contact us via email or WhatsApp for bespoke commissions.