Chinese paper cutting art in demand for CNY

Cheang arranging some of the paper cuttings at her shop in Chowrasta market in George Town.

WITH a pair of scissors in hand, Cheang Kam Foong can instantly turn a piece of red paper into auspicious Chinese characters with 3D effect.

Early this year, she took her jianzhi (an art of Chinese paper cutting) skills to the next level, having spent her free time on YouTube videos during the first movement control order in March.

“Since I was free during the MCO period, I got to deepen my knowledge in the art and learn more about the craft through watching YouTube videos.

“My skills have greatly improved through trial and error.

“I have been exploring other ways of cutting paper and let my creativity run free.

“When I first started practising on rough paper, I took a long time to cut a Chinese character.

“I am definitely faster now as I can cut one in less than five minutes now, ” she said when met at her shop in Chowrasta market, Penang.

Cheang, 53, a traditional bridal service provider, said her romance with the art started at the annual Miao Hui three years ago.

Miao Hui or Temple Festival is one of Penang’s popular Chinese New Year celebrations.

She has been making paper cutouts for her friends for Chinese New Year for the past three years.

“I usually cut Chinese characters like fu (good fortune), chun (spring), fu gui (wealth) and ping an (peace).

“To make the Chinese characters look more ‘3D’, I use glitter sponge paper.

“My friends will then put the festive decorations at their doors or work desks for good luck, ” she said.

Chinese paper-cutting is a traditional Chinese culture that originates from ancient activities of worshipping ancestors and gods.