Chang Yangyang displays a paper-cutting he made in front of an ancient gate tower in Luoyang, Henan Province, on July 3, 2016. [Photo by Huang Zhengwei/China.com.cn]

Chang Yangyang, a 25-year-old master in Mengjin-style paper-cutting, is one of very few young people to decide to take up a traditional handicraft as a profession.

Chang was born in 1991 into a farmer's family in Mengjin County, Henan Province, an area well-known for its paper-cutting art since ancient times. He was brought up under the influence of his grandmother and others from her generation who spent their lifetime practicing paper-cutting or embroidery.

Chang showed remarkable talent in paper-cutting in his childhood. After graduating from high school, he began to approach handicrafts veterans in neighboring villages in order to learn their skills. In the meantime, he went on collecting materials and information about folk paper-cutting techniques and gradually created a large number of excellent works reflecting local conditions and cultures.

In 2014, Chang established his workshop in Luoyang, where he has been fully absorbed in the study of paper-cutting. In addition to following accepted customs and practices, he is always seeking to add new ideas and vitality to this ancient art by transforming it from the simple to the complex and moving from traditional to modern themes.

Chang's innovative dyeing and colored paper-cutting techniques have strong visual effects and real social benefits. Many of his works have been selected for display in national and provincial paper-cutting competitions. He also suggests that paper-cutting be adapted for use as decorations or gifts, giving these folk handicraft products a new lease of life and fresh appeal to both Chinese and foreign tourists.

More about Mengjin-style paper-cutting

Mengjin-style paper-cutting has enjoyed a history of nearly 300 years. It is used for decorations on doors, windows, walls and lanterns, but also as a present, particularly during festivals like Chinese New Year and for weddings and birthday parties.

They reflect the local customs and practices of Mengjin County and Henan Province at large, as well as the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. In recent years, new themes have continuously been added to the design to keep pace with the times.

As a part-time interest, this traditional handicraft remains popular among both old and young people. It was included in the Henan provincial-level intangible cultural heritage list in 2015.

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