'Jianhua・Blossoming' Opens in Tokyo, Showcasing Matsu's Traditional Craft and Outlying Island Culture

(Central News Agency, Tokyo, June 2, reporter Dai Yazhen) The 'Jianhua・Blossoming – Taiwan Paper Cutting Art in Matsu' special exhibition, organized by the Taiwan Cultural Center under the Ministry of Culture's representative office in Japan, opened today. Artist Chen Zhixu is not only exhibiting creations that blend traditional and contemporary aesthetics but also specially prepared handmade commemorative pins for guests, hoping to convey the mutual support and friendship between Taiwan and Japan through artistic exchange.

This is the first exhibition by the Taiwan Cultural Center to focus on Taiwan's outlying island culture and artists. Deputy Representative to Japan Chou Hsueh-yu stated in his opening ceremony speech that Matsu possesses unique natural landscapes and profound cultural heritage, and 'Jianhua' (paper cutting) is an important folk art passed down through generations. In the past, women in Matsu expressed their wishes for family happiness, peace, and health through paper cutting, deeply embedding this craft into local life and culture.

He noted that the exhibition displays precious traditional paper-cutting works as well as innovative creations by contemporary artists inspired by Matsu's natural scenery and history. He expressed hope that through the shared cultural medium of 'paper,' which resonates with Japan's rich tradition of paper cutting and washi culture, mutual understanding and exchange between the people of Taiwan and Japan could be enhanced, further deepening Taiwan-Japan friendship.

The exhibition is supported by the Lienchiang County Government. At the opening ceremony, Lienchiang County Magistrate Wang Chung-ming and 94-year-old Matsu paper-cutting inheritor Chen Ying-mei sent congratulatory video messages from across the sea.

Magistrate Wang stated that Matsu paper cutting is closely linked to local festivals, wedding customs, and religious beliefs, making it a vital cultural asset. He expressed delight that a new generation of artists is dedicated to its preservation and innovation, and sincerely invited Japanese friends to visit Matsu to experience its island village culture, wartime landscapes, and coastal charm.

Curator Hung Yu-cheng, who has long focused on Matsu culture and curated for the Matsu International Art Island, expressed her hope that the exhibition would introduce Japanese audiences to the local culture, aesthetic spirit, and life wisdom embedded in Matsu paper cutting.

Chen Zhixu shared that after returning to Matsu at age 23, he was deeply moved to discover the traditional paper-cutting art still preserved in his hometown, leading him to nearly 30 years of research and creation. Many elderly women in Matsu became his teachers. Notably, paper-cutting artist Chen Yin-yin gifted him the scissors she had used for decades, which were part of her dowry, profoundly impressing upon him the preciousness of cultural heritage.

Chen said he has always admired Japanese folk craft culture, especially the local folk craft museums across Japan that preserve and promote regional crafts. This inspired him to introduce Matsu's folk art to Japanese audiences. Fulfilling a long-held wish, he expressed great joy in bringing the works of Matsu paper-cutting inheritors and his own creations to Tokyo.

He pointed out that the exhibition features both traditional Matsu paper-cutting works and his new creations for the show, aiming to introduce the cultural stories and life wisdom behind Matsu paper cutting to more Japanese people through a dialogue between tradition and contemporary art.

Chen specially designed commemorative pins as opening gifts, symbolizing Taiwan-Japan exchange. The pin is based on his concept of a combined 'Taiwan-Japan' character. The upper part incorporates plum blossoms and the shape of Taiwan Island to represent Taiwan, while the lower part integrates cherry blossoms into the character for 'Japan' (日). The materials combine thin Japanese red pine wood with Taiwanese thick cardboard and pineapple fiber paper, all handmade. 'The very thin red pine wood is supported by the thick cardboard and pineapple fiber paper, symbolizing the mutual help and interdependence between Taiwan and Japan,' he explained.

A paper-cutting workshop was held on opening day, led by Chen Zhixu himself.

Taiwan Cultural Center Director Tseng Chien-lung stated that this is the center's first exhibition themed around Taiwan's outlying island culture since establishing its physical location. Matsu's unique history, settlement culture, and folk art showcase the rich diversity of Taiwan's outlying island culture. He hopes the exhibition will introduce more Japanese people to the charm of Taiwan's outlying island culture and encourage them to visit various parts of Taiwan to experience their unique local characteristics.

The exhibition is curated by 'Sunny Great Creative.' It features Chen Zhixu's innovative works blending spatial installation and modern aesthetics, alongside traditional paper-cutting works preserved for years by nine Matsu inheritors: Liu Ying-jiao, Chiu Lien-chiao, Liu Nen-mei, Li Sai-chin, Chen Yin-yin, Chen Shu-chin, Chen Sai-chiao, Lin Chun-lien, and Chen Ying-mei. Through a dialogue between tradition and contemporaneity, it presents the unique cultural context and artistic transformation of Matsu paper cutting. The exhibition runs from today until July 17 at the Taiwan Cultural Center in Tokyo. (Editor: Chen Huei-ping) 1150602