Chinese Paper-Cutting: A Master in Ansai, Northern China

In northern Shaanxi, many families paste paper-cuts on their windows for the New Year. I went to Ansai, a county in northern China, to meet paper-cut artist Tian Ailian and watch her cut a peony-and-pomegranate wedding design. We also talk about her teaching, her farmer paintings, and what paper-cutting means to her. CHAPTERS 0:00 A window and a pair of scissors 0:18 Meet Tian Ailian 0:27 Her story 1:27 How she plans a piece 2:37 Peony and pomegranate 3:10 She also paints 5:09 Her paper-cutting classes 6:02 My turn to try 8:40 Your turn NOTES • Narration is voiced by an AI clone of my own voice, because my English is limited. • The facts about Tian Ailian's work, income and awards were told to me by her. I did not verify them independently. • She told me paper-cutting brings her about thirty thousand yuan a year (about $4500). • Thanks to Tian Ailian for letting me film her work and for sharing her story. ABOUT THIS CHANNEL China Off the Map is daily life in a small county in northern China, told for people who have never been here. Episode 1: A day in a small northern Chinese town: [link to episode 1] Tell me in the comments: do you have something like paper-cutting where you live? And tell me what you want to see next. #China #PaperCutting #Shaanxi