The Tunnel Gallery hosts traditional Chinese papercut exhibition
The Tunnel Gallery is currently showcasing a special exhibition of traditional Chinese paper-cutting by renowned artist Xu Yang, offering visitors a rare insight into one of China’s most celebrated intangible cultural heritage art forms.
A distinguished master of his craft, Xu Yang graduated from the Northern Sichuan College of Education and later undertook advanced studies in Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage at Minzu University of China, alongside senior master training at the Academy of Arts & Designs, Tsinghua University. He is recognised as a Senior Chinese Craft Artist and a Beijing First-Class Arts and Crafts Master, receiving special government allowances for his contribution to cultural heritage.
As the representative inheritor of the nationally recognised heritage of Beijing paper-cutting, Xu Yang has devoted his career to preserving and developing this intricate art. His work combines centuries-old techniques with contemporary artistic vision, ensuring the tradition continues to thrive.
Xu Yang’s achievements include being named one of China’s Top Ten Paper-cutting Masters in 2004 and receiving the title of “Virtue and Artistry Master” in Beijing Arts and Crafts in 2007. He has won multiple gold prizes at the China International Paper-cutting Exhibitions and received the prestigious Shanhua Award from the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles.
His artworks are held in major collections, including the National Museum of China and the China Arts and Crafts Museum, as well as cultural institutions in Switzerland and Canada.
This exhibition provides the Tonbridge community with a unique opportunity to experience the mastery of a living guardian of Chinese paper-cutting, bringing a centuries-old artistic tradition to a local audience in an inspiring and accessible setting.
The Tunnel Gallery is open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm, and Saturdays, 9am-12.30pm. The exhibition runs until Thursday 5 March.
Special thanks to Yijun (PH4) and his family for loaning the artworks and making this exhibition possible.
