Hello friend, welcome to part 2 of our series on Paper Crafts. In part 1 we covered Origami and it’s impact on architecture, robotics, furniture design and more. We also explored Quilling and its influence on art & jewellery design.
In this 2nd part we’ll explore Paper Cutting and Kirigami, how they fit into daily life and inspire innovations across various industries.
PAPER CUTTING
Paper Cutting is an art that involves cutting a single sheet of paper to reveal intricate designs and forms. It is practiced in several countries around the world and goes by different names. Paper Cutting holds great religious or cultural significance in each culture where it is practiced.
In China, where it is believed to have originated in 6th Century AD, it is called Jian Zhi and is used for health, prosperity and decorative purposes. Jian Zhi is in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists of 2009.
In Japan, where it started in 610 AD, it is called Kirie. This intricately cut paper was traditionally used for ceremonies and religious events. However in modern applications it’s more for artistic purposes.
Today, further applications of Paper Cutting techniques can be seen in invitation cards, greeting cards, cake toppers and animation.
It has also led to the further development in Laser Cutting machines which can now imitate Paper cutting principles on a wider range of materials used in fashion, furniture design, architecture and more.
KIRIGAMI
Sounds like Origami doesn’t it? However unlike Origami, which means folding paper, Kirigami goes further and involves folding and cutting of a single sheet of paper. The name is derived from the Japanese words Kiru (cut) and Kami (paper).
If you are a millennial like I am, you probably did basic kirigami in school without realizing it. Remember those paper snowflakes and Christmas decorations? Let’s see if these images jog your memory 😊
Kirigami creations can be in 2D or 3D forms.
Like Origami, Kirigami is also inspiring designs in architecture, fashion as well as advances in science and technology.
That’s it for part 2 of this series. I hope you are learning to differentiate between the different styles of Paper Crafts and are beginning to notice it’s influences in objects around you. So which do you prefer? Paper Cutting or Kirigami?
Stay tuned for part 3 where we dive deeper into the intriguing world of Paper Crafts. See you soon!
Thoughts Paper Scissors 
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