Explore the rich history and symbolism of Chinese paper cutting. Learn about its evolution through the dynasties, its cultural significance, and how modern artists like Xiyadie are reimagining this ancient craft.
Chinese paper cutting is much more than an art form—it’s a reflection of a culture that has evolved for over two thousand years. Emerging alongside the invention of paper in the Han Dynasty, this craft became a means of expression, spiritual practice, and cultural preservation. Over centuries, paper cutting has captured the essence of Chinese life, carrying symbolic meaning tied to themes like prosperity, longevity, and the natural world.
In this post, we’ll explore the history of Chinese paper cutting, from its sacred beginnings to its place in everyday life. We’ll examine how the craft evolved through various dynasties, taking on new forms and purposes along the way. You’ll also discover the deeper meanings behind its most common motifs, which have long been associated with Chinese festivals, family life, and rituals. Finally, we’ll discuss the relevance of paper cutting in contemporary China, highlighting artists like Xiyadie who use the traditional medium to express personal identity and challenge cultural norms.
Table of Contents
The Origins of Paper Cutting: A Century-Long Love Affair with Paper
To understand the art of Chinese paper cutting, we need to begin with its foundation: paper. In China, paper is more than just a material—it’s a companion to thought, creativity, and tradition. Its influence is so deeply woven into the fabric of Chinese life that it might seem almost intangible to an outsider. But at its core, it’s a story of ingenuity, culture, and connection.
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Paper: A Revolutionary Invention
The invention of paper by Cai Lun in 105 CE marked a pivotal moment in world history. Before its creation, communication relied on materials like bamboo, silk, and stone—resources that were expensive or cumbersome. Cai Lun’s method of pulping bark, hemp, rags, and fishnets revolutionized how knowledge was recorded and shared. Lightweight, durable, and accessible, paper catalyzed a cultural and intellectual explosion in China.
But paper’s importance goes beyond practicality. In Chinese culture, it became a vessel of expression and spirituality. Calligraphy elevated written language into art, and intricate paintings depicted philosophical ideas of harmony and balance. This relationship was deeply rooted in cultural practices, making paper a cornerstone of Chinese identity.
Paper and the West: A Longer Journey
While China’s relationship with paper was flourishing, Europe was still centuries away from embracing this transformative material. Paper reached the Islamic world during the 8th century, following the Battle of Talas in 751 CE. According to historical accounts, Chinese papermakers captured by Abbasid forces introduced the craft to their captors. From there, papermaking spread westward, with the first European paper mills established in Moorish Spain during the 12th century.
It’s staggering to think that while Europeans were just discovering paper, China had already mastered its use across disciplines—from record-keeping to ritual. The West’s introduction to paper came hand in hand with the Islamic Golden Age, highlighting the interconnectedness of civilizations even in ancient times.
Paper as a Cultural Cornerstone in China
In China, paper wasn’t just a utilitarian medium; it was deeply entwined with cultural and spiritual practices.
The Scholar’s Treasure
The “Four Treasures of the Study”—brush, ink, paper, and inkstone—symbolized a scholar’s devotion to learning. Confucian ideals of self-cultivation and moral refinement relied heavily on the written word, which paper made widely available. It was not just a tool but a sacred medium connecting individuals to tradition and intellect.
Art and Ritual
Paper’s versatility allowed it to flourish in art forms like calligraphy and painting. Calligraphy, for instance, wasn’t just about legible text—it conveyed the artist’s emotions and philosophy. Meanwhile, painting on paper explored themes of nature and harmony, reflecting Taoist ideals.
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In rituals, paper served a symbolic role. Joss paper offerings were burned to honor ancestors, and intricate paper designs adorned festivals, bridging the earthly and divine. This deep cultural embedding made the eventual emergence of paper cutting seem inevitable—a craft born from an already intimate relationship with this material.
The History of Paper Cutting
Tang Dynasty: The Sacred Beginnings of Paper cutting
The Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) is often celebrated as a golden age in Chinese history—a time when art and culture flourished under stable governance and economic prosperity. The capital city of Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an) was a cosmopolitan hub, drawing traders and scholars from across Asia and beyond. This mingling of ideas, paired with the diversity of religions like Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, created fertile ground for artistic expression, including paper cutting.
At this time, paper was already recognized as one of China’s great innovations, but it had transcended its practical origins to become a medium for spiritual connection. Paper cuts adorned Buddhist altars, featuring lotus flowers symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Taoist rituals embraced them too, creating intricate talismans thought to ward off misfortune. These designs weren’t just ornamental; they were deeply symbolic acts of devotion. Imagine the quiet reverence of a craftsman, carving delicate patterns into paper, each cut a whisper of faith and hope.
Song Dynasty: Paper Cutting Enters the Home
By the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE), paper cutting began to step out of temples and into the homes of everyday people. The Song era, marked by technological innovation and economic growth, saw a boom in urban centers like Kaifeng and Hangzhou. This prosperity made paper more accessible, allowing crafts like paper cutting to flourish.
Festivals became vibrant showcases for the art. Families decorated their windows with chuāng huā—paper cuts depicting flowers, birds, and zodiac animals. These intricate designs weren’t just beautiful; they carried wishes for prosperity and happiness. A pair of mandarin ducks symbolized love and fidelity, while plum blossoms represented resilience. These decorations transformed homes into glowing canvases, as the interplay of light and shadow brought the designs to life.
Paper cutting also found practical uses during this period. Craftspeople used paper stencils to transfer patterns onto textiles and ceramics. This blending of functionality and beauty epitomized the Song approach to art—a celebration of harmony in daily life.
Ming Dynasty: A Language of Celebration
The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE) ushered in an era of cultural refinement and growing wealth. As the economy flourished, so did the demand for art and decoration, and paper cutting took on a central role in celebrations. Weddings, harvest festivals, and Lunar New Year became stages for its intricate designs.
Each paper cut was a visual blessing, imbued with symbolic meaning. Fish were common motifs, representing abundance, as the word for fish (yú) sounds like surplus in Chinese. Peonies, often called the “king of flowers,” symbolized honor and prosperity, making them a favorite in wedding decorations. This was also a time when paper cutting became a communal activity, with families and neighbors gathering to create designs that reflected their hopes and dreams.
Ming rulers, keen to promote traditional Chinese values after overthrowing the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty, championed folk arts like paper cutting. This support elevated the craft, embedding it even more deeply into cultural and social life.
Qing Dynasty: Regional Flourishes and Artistic Heights
By the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 CE), paper cutting had reached a new level of artistry. Regional styles flourished, reflecting the local aesthetics and traditions of a vast and diverse empire. In northern China, designs were bold and expressive, often depicting folk tales or mythical creatures. In the south, particularly in places like Foshan, paper cutting became renowned for its delicate, multi-layered compositions that sometimes resembled lace in their intricacy.
This period also saw advances in tools and techniques. While scissors remained the primary tool in the North, southern artisans developed custom knives that allowed them to carve multiple layers of paper simultaneously. The precision of these designs was breathtaking, with some paper cuts featuring hundreds of tiny, flawless details.
Paper cuts during this era weren’t limited to homes and festivals. They found their way into operas, where they adorned costumes and props, and even into political propaganda, reflecting the changing priorities of a nation on the cusp of modernization. As the Qing Dynasty waned and Western influences began to reshape China, paper cutting became more than an art—it was a way to preserve cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.
Paper cutting in Modern and Contemporary Times
But the history of paper cutting didn’t halt with imperial China—it adapted, endured, and evolved into a complex cultural symbol during the tumultuous modern era. From revolutionary propaganda to global recognition as an intangible cultural treasure, paper cutting reflects the changing dynamics of Chinese identity, politics, and art.
The Revolutionary Era: Paper Cutting as a Tool for Ideology
The early 20th century was marked by the rise of the Communist Party and the eventual establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. During this revolutionary period, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s, paper cutting found a new and unexpected role: propaganda.
In the Communist stronghold of Yan’an, paper cutting was repurposed to spread revolutionary ideals among the rural population. The craft, already familiar and beloved in villages, became an accessible medium for communicating political messages. Artisans created bold, straightforward designs that celebrated workers, peasants, and soldiers—figures central to the Communist vision of a unified, egalitarian society. These paper cuts often depicted scenes of agricultural abundance or heroic revolutionary acts, blending traditional aesthetics with modern ideology.
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This transformation marked a stark departure from the craft’s earlier focus on personal and spiritual themes. Yet, it also highlighted its versatility. Paper cutting, so deeply rooted in the daily lives of rural communities, became a bridge between ancient traditions and contemporary political movements.
The Decline: Industrialization and Mass Production
With the rapid industrialization of China in the mid-20th century, traditional crafts like paper cutting faced a steep decline. Factories began producing mass-market decorations, and the accessibility of printed materials overshadowed the painstaking artistry of hand-cut designs. For many, the time and effort required to create paper cuts no longer seemed practical, especially as urbanization drew people away from rural lifestyles where the craft had flourished.
The Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) dealt another blow. During this turbulent decade, much of China’s traditional culture was denounced as feudalistic or counter-revolutionary. While some folk arts, including paper cutting, were co-opted for political propaganda, many others were suppressed or lost as artisans faced persecution or were forced to abandon their crafts.
By the late 20th century, paper cutting had become a shadow of its former self, with much of its vibrancy confined to remote villages or relegated to nostalgia. It seemed possible that the craft, once central to Chinese life, might fade into obscurity.
A Revival in the 21st Century
The tide began to turn in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as China, now a global power, sought to preserve and celebrate its cultural heritage. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding traditional practices, UNESCO added Chinese paper cutting to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. This designation not only acknowledged the craft’s historical significance but also spurred efforts to keep it alive.
Today, paper cutting has found its way back into the cultural spotlight, often reimagined for modern contexts. In rural areas, artisans continue to pass down the craft through apprenticeships and community workshops, ensuring that traditional techniques and motifs are preserved. Meanwhile, urban artists and designers are reinventing paper cutting as a contemporary art form. From gallery installations to fashion collections, paper cuts now appear in spaces that blend tradition with innovation.
Digital technology has also played a role in paper cutting’s resurgence. Laser-cut designs mimic the precision of handmade paper cuts, making the craft more accessible to global audiences. Social media platforms showcase artisans’ creations, connecting them with admirers around the world. Paper cutting has even inspired digital art and animation, proving that its influence can transcend the physical medium.
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Symbolism of Life and Propagation
The theme of life and propagation is deeply embedded in Chinese philosophy, culture, and art. Rooted in the ancient concept of yin-yang, which represents the harmonious interplay of opposites, life is understood as a continuous cycle. Yin (associated with femininity, darkness, and receptiveness) and yang (linked to masculinity, light, and activity) must coexist and balance to create and sustain life. This duality, reflecting the creation and regeneration of the world, is a cornerstone of Chinese thought.
This philosophical grounding ties seamlessly into the seasonal and agricultural context of Chinese life. Agrarian societies in ancient China, dependent on the land for survival, viewed fertility as a sacred force. Seasonal festivals like the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) marked times of renewal, planting, and abundance, making them ideal occasions for fertility motifs to flourish in art and ritual. Paper cuts featuring seeds, blooming flowers, and fruits like pomegranates often adorned homes and altars, symbolizing hopes for a prosperous harvest and a thriving family.
In Taoist cosmology, these symbols reflect the universal cycles of birth, growth, decay, and renewal that govern not only human life but also the rhythms of nature. A paper cut of a blooming lotus or a stalk heavy with grains isn’t just decorative—it’s a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world. These designs served as visual affirmations of harmony, ensuring that life’s cyclical flow was celebrated and respected.
Beyond the tangible, the symbolic themes of life propagation extended to ancestral worship, linking individual lives to an unbroken lineage. Paper cuts used during weddings or placed on ancestral altars visually expressed these connections, ensuring that the blessings of the past were carried forward into future generations.
Connection to Nature and Totems
The relationship between humans and nature is central to Chinese culture, shaped by Taoist philosophy and ancient animistic traditions. In this worldview, humanity is part of a harmonious triad with heaven and earth, and totems—animals imbued with symbolic meaning—serve as intermediaries within this balance.
Totems in rituals and superstitions highlight their protective and spiritual roles in daily life. For example, paper cuts of fish were commonly used during New Year’s celebrations, symbolizing abundance and surplus thanks to the phrase nián nián yǒu yú (“may every year bring surplus”). Roosters, known for their early morning crowing, were believed to repel spirits of the night and were often depicted in paper cuts to guard homes against misfortune. These symbols weren’t merely decorative; they were practical embodiments of cultural beliefs, handed down as part of a shared memory that reinforced the importance of harmony between humanity and nature.
The dragon and phoenix, two of the most revered totems in Chinese culture, offer even broader symbolic meanings. The dragon, a rainmaker tied to agriculture, embodies cosmic energy and protection. The phoenix, often associated with the empress and virtues like grace and renewal, reflects aspirations for peace and prosperity. Together, these mythical creatures frequently appear in paper cuts as symbols of marital harmony or as talismans for a prosperous future.
Paper cutting brought these totems into tangible form, serving both as visual storytelling and as a means of cultural preservation. Even today, traditional paper cuts featuring these totems are displayed during festivals and rituals, ensuring that the ancient relationship between humans, animals, and the cosmos remains alive. The craft’s ability to distill complex spiritual and cultural beliefs into simple, accessible designs speaks to its enduring power as an art form.
Symbols and Motifs in Chinese Paper Cutting
Paper cutting in China is much more than an art form—it is a visual language that reflects centuries of cultural, philosophical, and spiritual beliefs. Each motif tells a story, conveys a wish, or preserves a piece of cultural memory. From fertility and prosperity to cosmic harmony, the motifs of paper cutting connect people to their environment, their history, and the divine.
Fertility and Prosperity
Fertility and abundance are central themes in Chinese paper cutting, tied to the agricultural and familial roots of Chinese society. Symbols such as lotus flowers, pomegranates, and grain stalks appear frequently, reflecting hopes for bountiful harvests and large families.
- Lotus Flowers: Revered for their ability to bloom in muddy waters, the lotus symbolizes purity, resilience, and fertility. Its seeds are a direct representation of continuity and the birth of future generations. The lotus is also closely tied to Buddhist teachings, where it represents spiritual enlightenment.
- Pomegranates: With their vibrant, seed-filled interiors, pomegranates symbolize fertility and a prosperous lineage. Paper cuts depicting pomegranates are often displayed at weddings to bless the couple with many children.
- Grain Stalks: Representing agricultural abundance, grain stalks are reminders of the connection between human survival and the earth. These motifs are especially common during harvest festivals, where they express gratitude for nature’s bounty.
Longevity and Health
Longevity is deeply valued in Chinese culture, and paper-cutting motifs reflect this aspiration through symbols like peaches, cranes, and pine trees.
- Peaches: Central to Chinese mythology, peaches symbolize immortality and long life. According to legend, the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu) grows peaches of immortality in her celestial garden. These magical fruits ripen only once every 3,000 years, and those who eat them gain eternal life. Paper cuts often show peaches alongside immortals or cranes, reinforcing their divine significance.
- Cranes: Known as the “bird of immortality,” the crane represents a connection to the heavens and a long, harmonious life. Paper cuts frequently depict cranes flying among clouds, symbolizing spiritual ascension and divine blessings.
- Pine Trees: Resilient and evergreen, pine trees symbolize vitality and steadfastness. In paper cuts, they often accompany other longevity symbols like lingzhi mushrooms, creating compositions that convey endurance and harmony with nature.
Luck and Protection
The desire to attract good fortune and ward off evil is another prevalent theme in Chinese paper cutting. Motifs such as bats, coins, and gourds serve both protective and auspicious purposes.
- Bats: The bat (fu) is a symbol of happiness and luck because the word for bat sounds like the word for fortune in Chinese. Five bats depicted together, representing the Five Blessings—health, longevity, virtue, wealth, and peaceful death—are a popular motif in paper cutting.
- Coins: Circular coins with square holes in the center symbolize wealth and prosperity. In paper cuts, they are often combined with ribbons or other elements to create intricate designs that represent financial success and harmony.
- Gourds: The gourd’s unique shape and association with Daoist practices make it a powerful talisman for protection and health. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and ensure familial safety.
Unity and Harmony
Motifs symbolizing unity and harmony are commonly used in wedding paper cuts and family celebrations. They convey wishes for strong relationships, marital bliss, and social cohesion.
- Paired Fish: Fish are a symbol of abundance and happiness, connected to the phrase nián nián yǒu yú (“may every year bring surplus”). Paper cuts often show two fish swimming together, signifying balance and harmony.
- Mandarin Ducks: Known for their lifelong mating habits, mandarin ducks represent fidelity and love. These birds are a staple of wedding decorations, where they bless couples with enduring unity.
- Dragons and Phoenixes: As legendary creatures, the dragon and phoenix embody cosmic balance. The dragon represents strength and masculinity, while the phoenix symbolizes beauty and femininity. Together, they are a powerful motif in paper cuts for weddings, symbolizing a perfect union.
Motifs Related to Festivals and Seasons
- Chinese New Year: Paper cuts for the New Year often feature the “Fu” character, zodiac animals, and firecrackers. The “Fu” character, meaning happiness, is frequently displayed upside-down to symbolize the arrival of good fortune. Zodiac animals, tied to the year’s specific sign, connect individuals to the cosmic cycle.
- Harvest Festivals: Ripe fruits, baskets of grain, and other agricultural motifs are common in paper cuts celebrating harvest festivals. These symbols express gratitude for nature’s generosity and hopes for future abundance.
- Weddings: Wedding paper cuts include the double happiness character (xi xi), magpies (symbols of joy), and blooming flowers. These decorations bless the couple with love, unity, and prosperity.
Mythological and Cosmic Symbols
- Dragons and Phoenixes: Beyond weddings, dragons and phoenixes often appear in paper cuts as symbols of imperial authority and cosmic harmony. The dragon, associated with emperors, represents power and control over natural forces. The phoenix, tied to the empress, symbolizes renewal and virtue.
- Sun, Moon, and Stars: Celestial symbols often appear in paper cuts to represent balance and blessings. The sun symbolizes life and energy, while the moon signifies introspection and renewal. Together, they reflect the cyclical nature of existence.
- Mythological Figures: Paper cuts frequently feature characters from Chinese mythology, such as Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, and the Jade Rabbit, who is often depicted pounding the elixir of immortality on the moon.
Zodiac Signs in paper cutting
Zodiac animals in Chinese culture serve as visual symbols of identity, fortune, and cosmic cycles, making them a staple motif in paper cutting. These designs often go beyond simple depictions of animals, weaving in layers of meaning and wordplay to create powerful visual metaphors. Paper cuts featuring zodiac signs are especially prominent during Chinese New Year, weddings, and milestone celebrations, often paired with other auspicious symbols to amplify their meanings.
Creative Symbolism and Layered Motifs
Zodiac signs in paper cutting are frequently combined with other motifs to create designs that tell a deeper story. For example:
- Monkey on the Horse (Hou Shang Ma): This playful motif represents a wish for rapid career advancement or elevation in status. The monkey (hou) symbolizes the noble title of “marquis,” while the horse (ma) represents speed and success.
- Dragon and Phoenix: While not strictly zodiac signs, these legendary creatures are often paired with zodiac animals in paper cuts for weddings or festivals. For instance, a dragon with a rooster might symbolize strength combined with vigilance.
- Rabbit with the Moon: In paper cuts, the rabbit is often shown pounding the elixir of immortality on the moon, drawing from the mythological tale of the Jade Rabbit. This design connects the zodiac sign to themes of longevity and divine blessings.
Regional Variations in Chinese Paper Cutting
Northern China: Bold and Protective
In the vast northern plains, where winters are harsh and life has long demanded resilience, paper cutting takes on a no-nonsense, robust character. Designs are bold, geometric, and unembellished, with clean lines that speak to a culture of straightforward practicality.
Common motifs include lions, roosters, and tigers, symbols of strength and protection. These paper cuts often served as guardians, displayed on doors and windows to ward off misfortune. For instance, a lion depicted in motion, one paw resting on a ball, isn’t just decorative—it’s a visual metaphor for power and vigilance, meant to keep evil spirits at bay.
Yet even in their simplicity, northern paper cuts convey warmth. During festivals like Chinese New Year, windows gleam with red paper designs of fish (for abundance) or bats (for happiness). They’re bold, yes, but also celebratory, embodying the fortitude and optimism of northern life.
Southern China: Delicate and Ornamental
Travel south, and the paper cuts start to whisper instead of shout. Here, in regions like Guangdong and Jiangsu, the art form is characterized by its exquisite detail and refinement. The climate is milder, the landscapes lush, and this softness is mirrored in the designs.
Southern paper cutting often features dragons, phoenixes, and lotus flowers. These motifs aren’t just cut into the paper—they’re coaxed into delicate, lace-like patterns that seem to defy the medium’s limitations. Imagine a crane standing gracefully amidst reeds, its feathers rendered with impossibly fine precision, or a phoenix surrounded by flowing clouds, each curl a testament to patience and skill.
These designs aren’t just beautiful; they’re deeply symbolic. The dragon and phoenix, often paired together, symbolize cosmic harmony and are staples of wedding paper cuts. Meanwhile, lotus flowers, with their association with purity and enlightenment, bring a sense of calm and introspection to the art.
Tools and Materials in Chinese Paper Cutting
Paper
Paper cutting relies on carefully chosen paper to bring designs to life. Traditional xuan paper, known for its soft yet durable texture, is a favorite due to its ability to hold delicate cuts without tearing. This paper, commonly used in calligraphy and painting, allows for both sharp edges and flowing lines.
- The paper size : 35 cm x 100 m / 13.8 in x 328 feet (W x L), It is 100 meters long and you can cut it out to whatever sh…
- The shu (ripe) Xuan paper is without ink imbibition and water absorption, paper is hard than sheng xuan. Ink won’t sprea…
- Paper thicken, superior quality. It is suitable for chinese painting, sketch drawing, meticulous painting and writing.
Red paper is another staple, especially for festive occasions like Chinese New Year. Its symbolic association with luck and happiness makes it the preferred choice for decorative and ceremonial paper cuts. For more opulent designs, gold- and silver-foiled paper is used, adding a layer of luxury often seen in wedding or religious contexts.
Scissors and Knives
The two primary tools of paper cutting—scissors and knives—shape not only the designs but also the regional styles.
- Scissors: Primarily used in northern China, scissors are ideal for creating bold, dynamic designs. These tools are often small, sharp, and crafted specifically for intricate work, allowing artisans to cut flowing lines and curved shapes with ease.
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- Knives: Favored in southern China, knives allow for extraordinary precision and intricate detail. These tools, often custom-made, are used to create multi-layered designs, where several sheets of paper are stacked and cut simultaneously. The result is lace-like patterns that are the hallmark of southern paper cutting.
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Xiyadie: A Contemporary Voice in Chinese Paper Cutting
Disclaimer:
Some of Xiyadie’s works include explicit content that may not be suitable for all audiences. His art often explores personal themes such as identity, queerness, and societal challenges, and includes imagery that may be provocative or sexual in nature.
Xiyadie, whose name translates to “Butterfly in the Western Hills,” embodies a profound intersection of tradition and rebellion. Emerging from rural China, Xiyadie mastered the ancient craft of paper cutting, a folk art form deeply embedded in Chinese culture. Yet, rather than merely preserving tradition, he reimagines it, weaving themes of queerness and self-identity into intricate designs that challenge societal norms. His work exemplifies how an age-old medium can evolve to speak to modern struggles, personal truths, and collective aspirations.
Paper cutting, traditionally associated with festivals, family blessings, and community values, often serves as a conservative vessel for Chinese cultural ideals. Xiyadie’s decision to use this medium for deeply personal and queer storytelling is both audacious and poignant. The delicate, symmetrical cuts of his art—rooted in the language of auspicious symbols—become a means of subversion. For instance, in his works such as Gate and Wall, traditional motifs like peonies and fish are reinterpreted to reflect themes of restriction, yearning, and defiance. By using paper cutting, a symbol of collective identity, Xiyadie personalizes the craft to assert individuality, reclaim space, and reflect queer existence.
His art is deeply autobiographical. Growing up in a rural environment where queerness was taboo, Xiyadie’s early life was marked by repression and invisibility. His paper cuts depict these struggles with raw honesty—walls symbolizing societal barriers, gates reflecting both entrapment and the longing for freedom. At the heart of his work is an exploration of queerness not as an external challenge but as a deeply personal journey of self-expression and acceptance.
Xiyadie’s work also opens a window into the broader discourse on LGBTQ+ rights in China. While Chinese society has modernized in many ways, traditional views often conflict with growing queer visibility. Same-sex marriage remains unrecognized, and public discussions of LGBTQ+ issues are frequently censored. Within this context, Xiyadie’s art is not only an act of personal liberation but also a form of quiet resistance. Through his intricate designs, he insists on being seen and reminds viewers of the complexities of identity in a culture navigating its relationship with tradition and change.
Resources and Books
- Metamorphosis of A Butterfly – Xiyadie and the Art of Contemporary Chinese Papercutting
- Chinese Art: A Guide to Motifs and Visual Imagery, Patricia Bjaaland Welch
- Sharing the Beauty of China: Chinese Folk Arts, Jin Zhilin
- Chinese Symbolism & Art Motifs, Charles Alfred Speed Williams (Author), Terence Barrow (Introduction)
- Williams, Charles Alfred Speed
- Barrow, Terence
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