What is Papercutting? Exploring the Precision of Paper Art

What is the art of paper cutting? Put simply, it’s an intricate art form that transforms plain sheets of paper into delicate, detailed works of art. By using tools like craft knives, scalpels and scissors, you carefully cut away sections of the paper, leaving behind stunning shapes, patterns, and images. Papercutting requires precision and patience, but the end results can be mesmerisingly beautiful.

One of the most exciting things about papercutting is how accessible it is. With just a few basic tools, anyone can start creating intricate designs. Let’s start by taking a look into the ancient origins of Chinese paper cutting, and then we’ll answer the questions on everyone’s lips – what is paper cutting art today, and what paper is used for papercutting?

Papercutting has a long and rich history. After paper was invented in China in the first century AD, it’s thought papercutting as an art form emerged sometime during the third or fourth century. Indeed the oldest surviving piece of Chinese paper cutting art is a circle from the sixth century.

Europeans didn’t start making paper until the thirteenth century, and the art of papercutting appeared in Europe in the centuries that followed, where silhouettes in particular became popular. In Germany and Switzerland, the art of scherenschnitte, or ‘scissor cuts’ was a sixteenth century development.

While the answer to the question ‘what is papercutting’ has barely changed for almost 1,600 years, in recent years the craft has seen a resurgence in popularity, especially through social media which helps artists reach a broader audience.

Papercutting has evolved in many different forms across the globe, with each culture developing its own distinct techniques and styles. These varied forms reflect the histories and artistic expressions of different societies and can take quite different approaches to the artform.

China

Perhaps the most famous variation of this creative craft is Chinese paper cutting, known as jianzhi. As well as for decorative purposes, jianzhi represents health and prosperity, and is used during the Chinese New Year and for occasions such as weddings.

Japan

Japanese paper cutting most likely developed in the seventh century and even today, sekishu washi paper which was developed centuries ago is still used.

The Philippines

Pabalat is a papercutting technique used in a number of ways, including to wrap sweets such as pastillas de leche, a confectionery made from the milk of the carabao buffalo. At Christmas, a star-shaped lantern called a parol is adorned with elaborate paper designs.

Mexico

Using tissue paper, papel picado is a traditional Mexican folk art used to make banners for Christmas, Easter and Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. It’s also used for weddings, christenings and quinceañeras, the traditional Mexican celebration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday.

Slavic Countries

In places like Belarus, Ukraine and Poland, papercutting is known as wycinanki and traditionally, things like roosters, flowers and motifs for Christmas and Easter are made.

Sweden

At Christmas time, ljuskrona, a type of traditional chandelier, will be covered with paper flowers.

So exactly what is paper cutting art today? The answer is that it’s a fun, creative craft and all you need are these basic tools:

Cutting Mat

A self-healing cutting mat protects your work surface and keeps your scalpel blades sharp by providing a smooth cutting surface.

Metal Ruler

A metal ruler ensures straight, precise cuts, and generally won’t get nicked or damaged from sharp blades.

Scalpel & Blades

A scalpel is your primary cutting tool, offering precision and control for intricate designs. There are a number of different blade shapes which can impact the precision and ease of certain cuts, especially when dealing with fine details. A small rounded blade may offer more control in tight curves, while a straight blade is better for straight lines.

Other Cutting Tools

You may also want to use a crafting knife or a sharp pair of scissors depending on what you plan on making and the specific design.

Tracing Paper

This helps to transfer designs onto your paper, ensuring accuracy and alignment.

Backing Material

Something like cardstock or a mounting board gives your project stability and can also help frame or display your work.

While we’ve been looking at what is the art of paper cutting and what you need to get started, you may have noticed that we missed one of the most important elements – the paper.

The paper you use really depends on the level of detail you want and the specific type of project you’re working on. As a general rule, thin paper is much easier to cut but tears more easily, and thicker paper or card is harder to cut but will tolerate more abuse!

90 – 120gsm Paper

This is similar to regular printer paper but slightly thicker. It’s great for beginners because it’s easy to cut and generally remains strong enough to hold fine details without easily tearing. For papercutting projects, paper in the range of 90gsm to 120gsm provides a balance between being easy to cut and sturdy enough to hold delicate designs without tearing.

Cardstock

Slightly heavier than 120gsm paper, cardstock is a popular choice for more advanced papercutting projects. Its sturdiness makes it ideal for intricate designs, ensuring that the delicate cutouts don’t collapse or warp. It’s especially good for pieces that need to stand on their own or be framed.

Fine Art or Speciality Paper

Mulberry paper, rice paper (sometimes made from bamboo), or handmade paper provide a unique texture and aesthetic to projects. These papers can add an artistic, organic quality to your work but may require sharper tools or more advanced cutting techniques due to their fibrous nature.

Washi Paper

Washi paper is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a more refined, artistic touch. The traditional Japanese paper is known for its strength, flexibility, and unique texture, despite being thin and light. Made from natural fibres like mulberry, bamboo, or hemp, it’s more forgiving when bent or folded and offers a distinct, handcrafted feel that adds depth and character to papercutting projects.

Over the centuries there have been a number of widely celebrated paper cutting artists. Among the earliest and most famous practitioners were eighteenth century Dutch silhouette artist Joanna Koerten, and nineteenth century Swiss artist Johann Jakob Hauswirth. Also in the nineteenth century, Hans Christian Anderson, the Danish author of The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Princess & The Pea, and Thumbelina, was a talented papercut artist, as was Henri Matisse, one of the world’s greatest twentieth century artists.

Today, some of the most famous names in the world of paper cutting include Danish artist Karen Bit Velje, papel picado artist Carmen Lomas Garza, British papercut and serigraph artist Rob Ryan, Japanese contemporary creator Nahoko Kojima, and French-born American designer Béatrice Coron.

So what is papercutting? It’s a timeless and rewarding craft that blends creativity with precision, offering endless possibilities for artistic expression. From its rich historical roots to its recent resurgence, this versatile art form continues to captivate crafters of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, papercutting allows you to explore intricate designs and bring your unique ideas to life.