Paper-cutting in Western Henan: Design and Development of Cultural and Creative Products in the Digital Age

The purpose of this research is to study (i) the history and knowledge development of paper-cutting in Western Henan, and (ii) the process of studying cultural heritage learning design and development of cultural and creative products. Qualitative research methods were used. Field data were collected through research documents and surveys, interviews, observations, group discussions, and seminars. The data came from 36 participants, it was analyzed according to the objectives, and the results were presented in a descriptive analysis. The research results found that: (i) Paper-cutting in Western Henan is a traditional folk art with local characteristics, reflecting the aesthetics of the Central Plains farming culture and the life values of the people in Western Henan. Black paper cutting reflects the influence of a folk culture that worships the black color and the Xia culture. With the development of the times, the inheritors of paper-cutting in Western Henan are aging, and the inheritance methods are backward. It is urgent to protect it, inherit it, and pass it on to young people and others who are interested. (ii) The art of paper-cutting is combined with the design of cultural products to inherit and learn the art of paper-cutting in Western Henan. It is developed into a teaching model through art design. The developed teaching media can convey the cultural history of paper-cutting in Western Henan and the content of art design. Students can acquire knowledge by learning the design process and scanning QR codes. Students can easily obtain information and learn at any time.