Zhang Wenying – Artisan of Folk Paper-cut in Xinping County, Yuxi 

Zhang Wenying (张文英) is a folk paper-cutting artist from Yangwu Town (扬武镇), Xinping County (新平县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province. She is also recognized as an ethnic folk artist of Yunnan Province. Gifted with natural intelligence and creativity, she excels in the art of paper-cutting, skillfully crafting exquisite patterns without using any drawing tools. These patterns are often used by local women for embroidery and are an essential part of Yi (彝族) traditional clothing.

Personal Background

Zhang Wenying is of Yi (彝族) ethnicity and grew up in Yangwu Town (扬武镇). She has a deep affection for Yi culture and the art of paper-cutting. Not only has she mastered traditional techniques, but she has also innovated upon classic paper-cutting patterns, developing her own unique style. Today, she runs a small shop on Wenhua Road (文化路) in the county seat of Xinping (新平县), specializing in processing and selling traditional Yi clothing, while continuing to preserve and promote the art of Yi paper-cutting.

Paper-Cutting Technique

Zhang Wenying’s paper-cutting has the following characteristics:

• Exquisite Patterns: Her designs feature smooth lines and vivid forms. Common motifs include butterfly flowers, peonies, and torch flowers. These not only offer visual beauty but also carry auspicious meanings.
• Wide Application: Her works are not only used for embroidery but can also be appreciated as standalone art pieces.
• Inheritance and Innovation: While retaining traditional techniques, she continuously explores new designs and forms of expression, bringing paper-cutting art closer to modern life.

Cultural Heritage

Zhang Wenying deeply understands the importance of preserving traditional crafts. She remains committed to her own creations while actively mentoring the younger generation. She has passed on her skills to her niece and young granddaughter, hoping that this ancient art will be carried on through future generations. Her works have also gained recognition from local communities and cultural institutions, becoming an important medium for preserving Yi culture.

Her artistry in paper-cutting is not only a reflection of Yi cultural heritage but also a contribution to the innovation and development of ethnic art. Her creations showcase the ingenuity and creativity of the Yi people, making significant contributions to the protection and promotion of intangible cultural heritage.

Integrating Traditional Paper-Cutting into Modern Life

As a folk artist from Yangwu Town (扬武镇), Zhang Wenying has found diverse ways to integrate paper-cutting into contemporary life. Here are some of her specific approaches:

Pattern Innovation

Building upon traditional patterns, Zhang Wenying creatively modifies them to suit modern aesthetic preferences. For example, she often exaggerates features such as rooster claws or crests to make the designs more lively and cartoonish.

Style Innovation

She experiments with multi-layer paper-cutting, layering papers of different colors to create a realistic effect. This not only preserves the charm of traditional paper-cutting but also enhances the dimensionality and richness of the work.

Material Innovation

While traditional paper-cutting uses paper as its primary medium, Zhang Wenying explores a variety of materials including fabric, leather, and metal. These materials enhance durability and add diverse textures and styles to her works—for example, leather gives a deep and solemn feeling, while metal adds a sense of modernity and fashion.

Application Innovation

Zhang Wenying applies paper-cutting art to a range of modern living scenarios:

• Interior Decoration: She utilizes the hollowed-out designs of paper-cutting in background walls, ceilings, and room dividers, maximizing the rustic elegance of the art.
• Home Products: Incorporating paper-cut motifs into lamps, tableware, and bedding adds artistic flair to everyday items.
• Fashion Design: She uses hollow-cut techniques in clothing design by layering and cutting fabrics to create intricate patterns that enhance visual depth and artistry.
• Cultural and Creative Products: She develops cultural products like paper-cut-themed phone cases and animations, merging traditional culture with modern technology.

Cultural Promotion and Education

Zhang Wenying is also active in promoting and educating others about paper-cutting:

• Workshops: She organizes workshops to introduce more people to the art of paper-cutting.
• Community Events: Participates in local cultural events, enhancing community awareness and appreciation of traditional culture.
• Online Promotion: She utilizes digital platforms, including paper-cutting apps and online exhibitions, to reach a broader audience and promote this traditional art form.

Through these innovations and outreach efforts, Zhang Wenying has breathed new life into the traditional art of paper-cutting and made meaningful contributions to the preservation and evolution of cultural heritage.

For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2625.html