Kirigami: The Ancient Art of Paper Cutting and How Artists Are Keeping It Alive

When you think of Japanese paper crafts, origami is likely the first art form to come to mind. If you're familiar with this age-old practice, you know that a work of origami art is created by manipulating a single sheet of paper with nothing but a series of strategic folds. While this is the most well-known approach to the ancient art form, there are also adaptations. Kirigami, a variation of origami, offers a bit more creative freedom by allowing artists to cut, clip, and snip their paper creations.


Today, kirigami is kept alive by contemporary crafters. Before skimming through some these modern-day models (and even learning how to create your own), it's important to contextualize the craft and learn about its history.

What is Kirigami?

The term kirigami is derived from two Japanese words: kiru (to cut) and kami (paper).

Like traditional origami, kirigami is created from a single sheet of paper and incorporates folds. Sometimes, these folds are incorporated into the finished product, culminating in a three-dimensional piece.

Often, however, these folds are temporary; once the contorted paper has been cut, it is unfolded. Then, new folds are made, and the process is repeated until the work is complete, resulting in a flat work of art.

The History of Kirigami



Like origami, kirigami has roots in China, where paper was invented around 105 CE. In the 6th century, the Chinese began using colored paper to create decorative cut-outs—a practice known as jiǎnzhǐ. Initially, these paper creations were intended to honor gods and ancestors. However, in the 14th century, jiǎnzhǐ evolved into an activity practiced by women and children for leisure.



    





Undoubtedly inspired by jiǎnzhǐ, the Japanese began cutting paper into decorative works of art in the 7th century. Like the Chinese, they used a special kind of paper derived from mulberry plant fibers that had been “soaked in clear river water, thickened, and then filtered through a bamboo screen” by hand.