Dezhou's paper-cutting inheritor crafts a colorful tradition

[Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nestled in the Lingcheng district, Dezhou city, East China's Shandong province, the "Shuozhixiang" Cultural Industry Center serves as a haven where the delicate art of paper-cutting flourishes. Here, Shi Wanzhao, the craft inheritor of Shuozhixiang paper-cutting, a provincial intangible cultural heritage, creates vibrant worlds with just a pair of scissors and a piece of red paper.

Born into a prestigious family with a deep tradition of paper-cutting, Shi Wanzhao's journey with the craft began at an early age. Her father, Shi Chengcai, a devoted paper-cutting enthusiast, founded the renowned "Shuozhixiang" brand in 1998. Under his guidance, Shi Wanzhao honed her skills, gradually falling in love with the intricate art form.

The art of Shuozhixiang paper-cutting is characterized by a dedicated focus on monochrome color and meticulous craftsmanship. Shi's creations integrate elements of calligraphy and art, revitalizing traditional paper-cutting with a touch of sophistication and individuality.

As an intangible cultural heritage, "Shuozhixiang" paper-cutting not only preserves age-old skills but also evolves with the times, continually innovating to ensure its relevance in today's world. By blending tradition with contemporary influences, Shi Wanzhao and her fellow artisans strive to share the beauty of this art form and traditional Chinese culture with the world.

Watch the video to learn more. (Edited by Hu Kaili)