Preserving an art form one cut at a time
Ansai villager passes down knowledge to younger generations with scissors in one hand and inspiration in the other, Chen Nan reports.
For her, paper-cutting is not merely an art but a means of preserving the heritage, expressing the heart and soul of the people, one snip at a time.
As a fine example of the intangible cultural heritage in Shaanxi, paper-cutting has seen great attention in its preservation. During his visit to Suide county in Shaanxi in September 2021, President Xi Jinping pointed out that folk art is a precious treasure of the nation, and it is of great significance to protect, inherit, and utilize these treasures.
Like magic
The roots of Ansai paper-cutting originated in the ancient rural villages of northern China. The art form was popular as a medium for people to express their aspirations, beliefs and dreams.
For centuries, villagers have mainly used bright red paper to adorn their homes during Chinese New Year and weddings.
In Ansai, the art took on distinctive characteristics. Unlike the more delicate and intricate paper-cuttings found in other regions, the Ansai designs are bold, dramatic, and full of movement. They often feature daily life scenes — agriculture, animal husbandry, and landscapes of northern China. The designs usually carry symbolic meanings — good fortune, and well-wishes for health, wealth and happiness.
According to Wang Saihong, director of the Ansai Cultural Center, folk art from Shaanxi province has an intense focus on community rituals. For instance, the protection against evil spirits is a common theme in Ansai paper-cutting, reflecting rural, often harsh life and the need for good fortune and divine protection in the face of unpredictable weather, natural disasters and social challenges.
