Shaanxi artisan crafts stunning paper-cutting hanfu
Pu Yao uses paper-cutting techniques to create traditional hanfu dress. [Photo by Gao Wenya/For chinadaily.com.cn]
In the skilled hands of Pu Yao, a Shaanxi artisan, a 3-meter-long paper-cutting hanfu adorned with cloud motifs and featuring a phoenix is taking shape.
Before her lies an expansive garment, entirely crafted through traditional paper-cutting techniques. With her scissors in hand, Pu deftly works between the sheets, and soon, an intricately designed hanfu begins to emerge.
Pu Yao uses paper-cutting techniques to create traditional hanfu dress. [Photo by Gao Wenya/For chinadaily.com.cn]
"This is my first attempt at applying traditional paper-cutting techniques to creating a traditional hanfu dress," Pu explained. "From drafting the initial sketch and drawing to carving and final stitching, it took about two weeks to complete."
Since cutting a garment directly from paper doesn't work, Pu experimented with dozens of materials before settling on red flocked fabric—a material that's stiffer than ordinary cloth yet more resilient than paper, making it ideal for the project.
Pu Yao uses paper-cutting techniques to create traditional hanfu dress. [Photo by Gao Wenya/For chinadaily.com.cn]
After two weeks of meticulous work, she unveiled her creation. "From the beginning, I incorporated auspicious cloud patterns and a phoenix in flight on the back," she said.
Pu credited her love of handicrafts to her grandfather, a skilled craftsman whose bamboo furniture was in demand for weddings, funerals and everyday needs in nearby villages. Influenced by him, she grew up passionate about bamboo crafting and paper-cutting.
Pu Yao uses paper-cutting techniques to create traditional hanfu dress. [Photo by Gao Wenya/For chinadaily.com.cn]
In 2016, Pu opened a workshop on the historic Liubating Street in Liuba county, selling paper art and corn husk paintings. That same year, she founded a handicraft cooperative to give local women a platform to learn and cultivate their craft.
"I collect the handmade items created by these women. And through the cooperative, we receive orders from across the country," she said. "The income is shared proportionally, providing these women with an extra source of earnings."
Pu Yao uses paper-cutting techniques to create traditional hanfu dress. [Photo by Gao Wenya/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Under Pu's guidance, the cooperative has grown to include more than 200 women in Liuba county who weave local history and scenic landmarks into their paper-cut art.
Liu Boqian contributed to this story.
