THE ART OF PAPER CUTTING

Within the novel, Jordan Baker inhabits the magical power of paper-cutting. Her character is able to cut intricate designs that spring to life whenever she pleases. At the beginning of the novel, Jordan's character does her best to avoid cutting entities to life because she finds herself foreign to her magical abilities. When she practices paper cutting, it is only to please others and gain their approval, specifically her best friend Daisy, who takes advantage of her abilities. However, as the novel progresses, Jordan's journey through Chinatown allows her to practice her supernatural powers surrounded by people who possess the same abilities as her. Through these experiences, she finds herself more comfortable with the art as she is able to practice paper magic solely for her own satisfaction. "I felt it this time, my first bit of paper magic done only for myself. Daisy wasn't there to want it to look a certain way or to need to be to be a certain thing" (Vo 237). 

Jordan's paper-cutting abilities represent her journey to finding her identity. Throughout the novel, her character finds herself immersed in a world where she struggles to feel like she belongs: "I existed in a world of borderland of acceptable and not, sometimes more on one side, sometimes more on another" (Vo 42). However, as Jordan immerses herself in Chinatown, a world of acceptance, she is able to accept herself and where she comes from by practising the art.

Within the novel, Nghi Vo provides an in-depth description of the history of paper cutting. Predating the invention of paper, the art of paper cutting was officially documented in the sixth century. In China, such art was invented by an Emperor called Cai Lun in 100 CE. Paper cutting is known as jianzhi in Chinese culture, and while modern paper cutting is done using paper, the designs made within the art used to be done using leather, fabric, silver foil, and leaves. Original Chinese paper-cutting artists were typically illiterate, so instead of communicating artistically through calligraphy, they decorated and communicated through paper cuttings using any materials they could gain access to. The designs are practiced and displayed all year round but are typically done for the Lunar New Year, where they are displayed to welcome new beginnings. Paper cutting is known as a fine art; however, it is practiced by people of different economic positions all around the world, and while the art dates back to the past, it is a glorious tradition that has evolved through time (Vo 270).

Paper cutting is a creative art that allows individuals to express themselves. One can explore their creativity with various designs, but Nghi Vo has provided some designs that anyone can use to begin their paper-cutting journey!