Introduction
The shimmering Chaohu Lake, the lush Dashushan Mountain, the towering Qingfeng Pavilion, and the picturesque Swan Lake—these well-known landmarks are all captured on a single piece of paper measuring 15 meters in length and 0.75 meters in width. This is the creation of paper-cutting enthusiast Ding Jian, titled "A Scroll to Know Hefei."
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Ding Jian spent over a year completing this large-scale paper-cutting work, bringing the charm and beauty of the city of Hefei vividly to life on paper.
A 15-Meter Scroll Showcasing the Beauty of Hefei
On September 1, 2019, the reporter visited Ding Jian's home and saw this paper-cutting work. The entire piece, themed "Praising 70 Years, A Beautiful Scroll of Hefei," showcases the urban landscape and cultural scenery of Hefei.
The paper-cutting includes not only cultural landmarks such as Bao Gong Temple, Ancient Xiaoyaojin, the Crossing-the-River Campaign Memorial, and urban reading spaces but also iconic buildings representing Hefei's development, such as the University of Science and Technology of China, the USTC Advanced Research Institute, and Science Island.
Unlike other works, this piece integrates beautiful scenery and a sense of daily life among the buildings and pavilions. The vast Chaohu Lake features a fisherman's solitary boat; a family of three enjoys a happy moment in front of Dashushan Forest Park; key elements of Hefei like new energy vehicles and a civilized city are incorporated; and the work displays the concepts of innovative, cultural, green, livable, and happy Hefei from different perspectives.
This concept coincides with the "Praising 70 Years, Creativity 'Shu' You Can Do" Youth Cultural and Creative Competition held by Shushan District, and Ding Jian promptly registered for the competition.
A Year-Long Effort as a Tribute to the Motherland
As early as 2018, Ding Jian began to conceptualize and design "A Scroll to Know Hefei." To present the city's appearance as vividly as possible, Ding Jian rode an electric scooter, carrying a camera, and roamed through the streets and alleys for on-site inspiration. He took thousands of photos, designed hundreds of drafts, and reviewed extensive historical materials before finally determining the initial form of the paper-cutting pattern.
Ding Jian, a designer by profession, also used professional drawing software to digitize the sketches. Through Photoshop technology, he continuously fine-tuned the digital sketches, spending more than half a year and making thousands of adjustments before finalizing the layout of "A Scroll to Know Hefei."
A good work requires dedication. To complete the work before October 1, 2019, Ding Jian devoted almost all his spare time to the creation. After work every day, he would immerse himself in the studio, sometimes skipping meals and working until the early morning. On weekends, he declined unnecessary social engagements and focused on paper-cutting at home, carefully considering every cut.
"There is a magpie on the branch of Science Island, symbolizing that more good news will come from the island; there is a heart on the kite by Swan Lake, symbolizing that Hefei is a happy and livable city," Ding Jian said. He wanted to showcase the contemporary youth's deep love for the motherland and their vibrant spirit with a dedicated attitude and a craftsman's spirit.
A Passion for Paper-Cutting Since University
Creating such a work is inseparable from Ding Jian's profound paper-cutting skills. Born in 1989, Ding Jian has loved paper-cutting since childhood, often picking up scissors to carve out various beautiful patterns. His university major in Fine Arts further elevated this hobby. With a foundation in traditional Chinese painting, he became even more proficient in paper-cutting.
In 2009, while still in college, Ding Jian met a paper-cutting "intangible cultural heritage" inheritor from Huainan. To win the teacher's favor, Ding Jian took the initiative to send his paper-cutting work "Shenzhou Flying to Space" and a heartfelt letter of apprenticeship. Through his persistent attitude, Ding Jian finally moved the inheritor and was accepted as a student, allowing him to delve deeper into the art of paper-cutting.
After moving to Hefei for graduate studies in 2012 and settling down, Ding Jian enjoyed exploring the surroundings of Hefei with his camera in his spare time. With a passion for photography and paper-cutting, he has an eye for discovering the beauty of Hefei: "The Qingfeng Pavilion at dusk, with the setting sun reflecting on the ancient building and willows in the distance; the beautiful Chaohu Lake, the rapeseed flowers on both sides of the Nanfei River... My second hometown, Hefei, has many breathtakingly beautiful places."
In addition to his work, Ding Jian is also committed to the research and promotion of the traditional craft of paper-cutting. In 2017, his long scroll paper-cutting work was showcased at an international top design award ceremony, receiving widespread praise from designers at home and abroad.
Passing on Culture and Hoping for Successors
For Ding Jian, who has been involved with paper-cutting for over 20 years, it is not just a skill but a responsibility ingrained in his heart.
In his spare time, Ding Jian actively cultivates children's interest in paper-cutting and promotes traditional folk culture. He visits hospitals and rural areas, bringing fun paper-cutting art to patients and left-behind children; he participates in or organizes public welfare activities to convey the charm and methods of paper-cutting to the general public.
Ding Jian said that he has now established a paper-cutting studio and is planning to publish a book on popularizing paper-cutting. In the future, he hopes to hold a light and shadow paper-cutting exhibition to attract more young people to fall in love with paper-cutting.