What is Kirigami

Kirigami is a variation of origami where the artist is allowed to make small cuts in the paper (from Japanese "kiru" = to cut, "gami" = paper). This enables the artist to enhance the visual presentation of the artwork, at the expense of simplicity. In origami, papercutting is frowned upon by the majority of modern folders, as techniques have advanced enough to make cutting unnecessary for a skilled folder.

Kirigami is usually made when certain folds are made in the paper to make a base, or the model without the cuts in it. Then, cuts are made in the base. When all the cuts are made, the base is opened out and flattened to make the finished Kirigami. Usually symmetrical objects are made, such as snowflakes, pentagrams, or orchid blossoms.

Chinese Paper Cutting ??(jian jr) was the first style developed in China, since Cai Lun invented paper in the region. There are a number of distinct uses for the paper cut outs in Chinese culture, almost all of which are for health, prosperity or decorative purposes. Where it is different compared to other cultural style is the extensive use of red. Also it has a heavy emphasis on single or a few Chinese characters often symbolizing with the Chinese Zodiac animals.

The oldest surviving paper cut out is a symmetrical circle from the 6th century found in Xinjiang China[1]. By the eighth or ninth century paper-cutting appeared in West Asia and in Turkey in the 16th century. Within a century, paper-cutting was being done in most of middle Europe.