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Chinese paper-cuttings displayed at exhibition event in Xinjiang

CGTN

The art of Chinese paper-cutting has a history spanning more than 1,500 years. Recognized by UNESCO as a world intangible cultural heritage in 2009, this art form varies across the country, reflecting the diverse regional traditions of China. Broadly speaking, Chinese paper-cutting can be divided into two distinct styles: the bold and unconstrained style of north China, and the intricate and graceful style of south China.

Fengning Manchu paper-cutting works are pictured at the 2024
Fengning Manchu paper-cutting works are pictured at the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

Fengning Manchu paper-cutting works are pictured at the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

A Fengning Manchu paper-cutting work depicting the Chengde Mountain Resort, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, is pictured during the 2024
A Fengning Manchu paper-cutting work depicting the Chengde Mountain Resort, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, is pictured during the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

A Fengning Manchu paper-cutting work depicting the Chengde Mountain Resort, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, is pictured during the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

Fengning Manchu paper-cutting works are pictured at the 2024
Fengning Manchu paper-cutting works are pictured at the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

Fengning Manchu paper-cutting works are pictured at the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

A Fengning Manchu paper-cutting work is pictured during the 2024
A Fengning Manchu paper-cutting work is pictured during the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

A Fengning Manchu paper-cutting work is pictured during the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

At the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, paper-cutting art featured prominently. Among the highlights was the Fengning Manchu paper-cutting from Chengde, north China's Hebei Province, which originated during the reign of Emperor Kangxi during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). This unique art form reflects a blend of northern and southern influences, as well as cultures of the Han and Manchu ethnic groups. The art primarily employs "yangke" (creating raised designs) with some use of "yinke" (engraving recessed designs). The subjects range from flora and fauna to landscapes, human figures, and symbolic motifs, rendered in a variety of techniques, including monochrome, tinted, and polychrome compositions.

Works of Xiaogan paper-cutting with carved patterns from Hubei Province are pictured during the 2024
Works of Xiaogan paper-cutting with carved patterns from Hubei Province are pictured during the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

Works of Xiaogan paper-cutting with carved patterns from Hubei Province are pictured during the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

An artisan draws patterns on paper, a step in the process for making Xiaogan paper-cutting with carved patterns, during the 2024
An artisan draws patterns on paper, a step in the process for making Xiaogan paper-cutting with carved patterns, during the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

An artisan draws patterns on paper, a step in the process for making Xiaogan paper-cutting with carved patterns, during the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

Knives used in Xiaogan paper-cutting with carved patterns are pictured during the 2024
Knives used in Xiaogan paper-cutting with carved patterns are pictured during the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

Knives used in Xiaogan paper-cutting with carved patterns are pictured during the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

A work of Xiaogan paper-cutting with carved patterns is displayed during the 2024
A work of Xiaogan paper-cutting with carved patterns is displayed during the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

A work of Xiaogan paper-cutting with carved patterns is displayed during the 2024 "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" intangible cultural heritage exhibition, which was held in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 22 to 26, 2024. /CGTN

Another featured art form was the Xiaogan paper-cutting with carved patterns from central China's Hubei Province, showcased at the Hubei Pavilion. With an even longer history than the Fengning Manchu paper-cutting, this style masterfully blends the essence of both northern and southern paper-cutting traditions, incorporating both cutting and carving techniques. The designs often symbolize longevity, prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. Renowned for its intricate compositions and elegant lines, Xiaogan paper-cutting was traditionally used as embroidery patterns, and it continues to be a popular choice for celebratory occasions, conveying blessings and good wishes. 

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