At the age of three, most children are just beginning to explore the world around them. But for Cao Hongxia, this was when her journey as a papercutting artist began.
Born into a family of papercutters in Yulin, Shaanxi Province in northwest China, Cao is a fifth-generation artist keeping this traditional folk art alive.
“I often get asked when I started papercutting, and my answer is: ‘Maybe when I was in my mom’s womb,'” she joked.
As a child, Cao would watch her family create intricate papercuts by the light of a kerosene lamp. Her curiosity led her to tear a piece of a Spring Festival couplet to make a paper flower. Although her mother scolded her, she recognized her daughter’s talent and began teaching her the techniques of papercutting.
Drawing inspiration from the rich culture of northern Shaanxi, Cao incorporates folk songs, local customs, and proverbs into her work. Her pieces beautifully capture the essence of the region, telling stories through delicate patterns and designs.
Her art has gained international recognition. In 2014, when Michelle Obama visited Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, Cao created multicolored papercut portraits for the then-U.S. first lady and her family.
Cao believes that the future of intangible cultural heritage like papercutting lies in capturing the attention of younger generations. “To carry forward folk art, we need to integrate it into our families and communities,” she said.
To Cao, papercutting is not just an artistic expression but a cultural legacy passed down through generations. She hopes that by sharing her passion, more young people will connect with their heritage and keep the tradition alive.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
