Rendezvous with rich heritage

Quitting her job as an international trader in Paris, Yang Yuxiao returned to her hometown in Zhejiang province, to breathe new life into the ancient art of Linhai paper-cutting. By blending her family's rich heritage with contemporary techniques, she is ensuring that this traditional craft not only survives but thrives.

After earning a degree in French from Xi'an International University in Shaanxi province in 2011, Yang pursued a master's in trade in France. Her career in Paris involved international trade, focusing on importing crafts and artworks. Yet, after five years, she realized this path wasn't what she truly wanted.

"After spending a long time in France, I often felt like a wanderer in a foreign land. I missed the warmth of home and longed for my family," she said.

In 2016, Yang made a life-changing decision to return to her hometown of Linhai in Zhejiang province. She took over the Zhang Xiujuan Paper Cutting Museum, founded by her mother, a respected figure in this intangible cultural heritage.

Linhai paper-cutting, recognized as part of Zhejiang's intangible cultural heritage since 2007, was in need of both preservation and innovation.

"Linhai paper-cutting is a family tradition," Yang said. "My mother is an intangible cultural heritage bearer. As her only child, it's up to me to continue this legacy. Linhai paper-cutting faces challenges and needs a younger person to take over. I felt I could help my mother in my own way, not just by doing paper-cutting, but by supporting her efforts."

Driven by familial duty, Yang tackled the challenge of traditional paper's vulnerability to humidity and fading. She experimented with new materials like silk and cashmere cotton, securing 13 national patents for innovations.

"Our silk paper-cutting was a breakthrough because we patented the process of using silk instead of paper, giving the material a new meaning. It has become one of our best-selling products," the 36-year-old said.

Zhang Xiujuan, Yang's mother, said: "I'm concerned about high costs and potential losses because innovations require experimenting with new materials. It's time-consuming but I support her."

Yang has creatively integrated traditional techniques with modern applications, designing patterns for contemporary products such as bags, coasters, earrings and cloud shoulders, also known as shawls, a treasure of traditional Chinese clothing.

She aims to integrate functionality into the art, making it relevant to everyday life.

"I love seeing my ideas come to life quickly. To sustain our intangible cultural heritage work, we need products that can support us financially," she said.

Gift orders have become her main revenue source.

"We categorize our work into different levels. Collectible pieces are crafted by me and my mother, while cultural gifts, needing hundreds of pieces, are made by hired artisans. We employ about 30 people, most of whom are craft teachers on a project basis, as maintaining a large permanent staff would be too costly."

She also sees great potential in educational experiences.

She has launched initiatives to teach Linhai paper-cutting skills to villagers, providing new income opportunities for them. Over 150 training sessions have been held, with more than 2,000 participants completing the courses.

Yang also offers regular livestreamed paper-cutting classes to international audiences. She has taught over 1,000 people from countries such as the United States, Spain and Hungary, and has participated in cultural exchanges abroad. The most recent visit was to South Korea in June.

"In the future, we aim to transform Linhai paper-cutting from mere wall art into something young people appreciate. By integrating it into everyday scenes, we believe it can gain wider recognition and interest," Yang said.

lihongyang@chinadaily.com.cn