Paper-cutting works on display

Through May 11, a selection of paper-cutting works by artists from Fangzheng County in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, and part of the collection at the Shenzhen Art Museum, are on display at the museum’s new venue in Longhua District.

For millennia, the resourceful Chinese populace has utilized scissors to cut intricate patterns on paper as a customary adornment for their homes leading up to the Chinese New Year. Recognized in 2009 as a United Nations intangible cultural heritage, this folk art form embodies a rich heritage.

With a legacy spanning over two centuries, paper-cutting has been a cherished tradition in Fangzheng County since the mid-Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). As a significant branch of this Chinese folk art, the county’s paper-cutting creations are renowned for their themes closely mirroring everyday life and their succinct yet expressive aesthetic.

Following the triumph of prior exhibitions in 2007 and 2014 that highlighted Fangzheng County’s paper-cutting artistry, the Shenzhen Art Museum now presents a display featuring fine pieces from its collection alongside new works contributed by artists from the county.

Here we present a virtual journey guided by Shenzhen Daily photographer Lin Songtao for readers to marvel at the artistry and remarkable skill of these paper-cutting artisans and delve into the enchanting world of this ancient folk art.