Description:

Cutting Through Time explores the intersection of cultural heritage and personal history through the lens of traditional Chinese paper-cutting. The project originated from the designer’s childhood in northern China, where their grandmother’s paper-cuts – particularly those created for Lunar New Year – served as both decoration and cultural signifier.
As younger generations increasingly disengage from such traditions, this work proposes design as a vehicle for preservation. It documents household objects imbued with familial significance (a enamel kettle, bamboo stool, folding fan) through intricate paper-cut illustrations. Each piece was first hand-drawn based on regional motifs, then realised via laser-cutting to balance precision with the craft’s inherent tactility.
The publication’s structure mirrors its subject matter:
• Historical context examines paper-cutting’s role in Chinese folk art
• Visual narratives transform objects into emotional landmarks
• Production notes demystify the craft process for new audiences
Material choices reinforce the concept – uncoated papers mimic the fibrous texture of traditional xuan paper, while the exposed spine references vernacular bookbinding. The work intentionally avoids didactic preservation, instead demonstrating how heritage practices can inform contemporary visual storytelling.
By situating personal memory within broader cultural discourse, the project invites viewers to reconsider their own relationships with fading traditions. It has since evolved into workshops encouraging participants to document family histories through paper-cutting, extending its impact beyond the printed page.