Guo Shumo – Inheritor of Jiama Paper in Chenggong District, Kunming 

Early Life and Interest in Jiama Paper

Guo Shumo (郭树漠), born in 1925, is a renowned craftsman from Wulong Subdistrict (乌龙办事处), Longjie Township (龙街乡), Chenggong District (呈贡县), Kunming, Yunnan. He is an expert in the traditional craft of Jiama Paper (甲马纸), a form of paper used in sacrificial ceremonies and religious rituals among the Bai ethnic minority and other Yunnan communities. Jiama Paper, measuring approximately 20cm x 30cm, is typically printed with images of deities and spiritual symbols, often used for rituals aimed at warding off evil and seeking divine blessings.

Guo’s passion for Jiama Paper began in his youth. He was fascinated by the art of carving Jiama Paper woodcut plates and began learning the craft on his own. Over the years, he mastered the technique of carving Jiama boards, evolving the traditional designs and improving upon the crude, rough styles that were prevalent at the time.

Mastery and Innovation in Jiama Paper Carving

As he honed his skills, Guo Shumo applied his creativity to improve the precision and beauty of Jiama Paper designs. His carvings were more detailed, with smoother lines and more lifelike representations of the deities. The images he created were clear, elegant, and accurately represented the traditional motifs, making them highly sought after in the Chenggong and Longjie areas. Throughout his career, Guo carved several hundred Jiama boards, and his works gained widespread recognition in the local community.

In addition to his work with Jiama Paper, Guo is also skilled in crafting intricate paper and bamboo decorations for other ceremonial purposes, such as dragon-shaped ornaments. His ability to work in various media, including paper-cutting and bamboo weaving, has earned him a reputation as a versatile and talented folk artist.

Legacy and Recognition

Guo Shumo’s Jiama Paper carvings remain popular in Chenggong and the surrounding areas, where his works are used in both religious rituals and as decorative items. His innovations in the art of Jiama Paper carving have helped preserve this important folk craft, ensuring its continued existence for future generations.

Original Source in Chinese