Clay Whistling Tigers
2026-07-24
China’s invention of papermaking stands as one of history’s greatest achievements — it not only accelerated the spread of culture but also nurtured a flourishing of Chinese arts.
Paper-cutting, in particular, blossomed brilliantly among the common people, thanks to its accessible materials and modest cost.
Paper cuts are traditionally used as festive decorations for the New Year and other celebrations. Their vivid colors and auspicious motifs bring joy at first glance.
The true masters of this craft dwell in the countryside. With nothing more than a single sheet of thin paper and a blade in hand, they conjure soaring dragons and dancing phoenixes, a chorus of beasts, and a cascade of blooming flowers beneath their fingertips.
Paper-cutting techniques are rich and varied. Scissor-cut pieces possess a captivating symmetry, while knife-cut works offer greater flexibility and variation. The artistry of negative cutting (yīn kè) and positive cutting (yáng kè) is combined with deliberate openwork and the art of negative space, creating a layered, sculptural beauty that plays with depth and void.
93 Courtyard Museum has partnered with artists to design exquisite paper-cutting patterns, inviting you to experience this craft firsthand! With a blade carving into paper, you’ll construct your own geometric aesthetic — and perhaps discover that you are the next “paper-cutting master”!
