Meet Cao Hongxia, a fifth-generation paper-cutting maestro from Yulin in the Chinese mainland’s Shaanxi Province, whose scissors dance to the rhythm of cultural heritage. Inspired by her mother’s deft hands as a child, Cao has transformed humble paper into vibrant storytelling canvases that slice through time.
From Farm to Art
With over tens of thousands of pieces created, Cao’s work stitches together the fabric of rural life—think sprawling fields, traditional weddings, and ancient architecture. Imagine comic strips carved from paper, but instead of superheroes, they’re packed with folk song lyrics and slice-of-life scenes.
Modern Twists on Tradition
Cao isn’t just preserving history—she’s rewriting it. She pioneered colored paper-cutting (move over, black-and-white!) and even crafts hyper-detailed portraits. Talk about cutting-edge innovation! Her art now bridges generations, proving that ancient crafts can still go viral in the TikTok era.
Reference(s):
In pictures: Intangible cultural heritage in the art of papercutting
cgtn.com