Lin Tao, a renowned inheritor of Zhangpu paper-cutting, which is a national intangible cultural heritage item, creates paper-cutting artwork. [Photo by Wu Jun/Xuexi Qiangguo app]

Lin Tao (1905-2010), one of four renowned Zhangzhou paper-cutting artists, used her superb abilities and ingenuity to document the customs of coastal communities in Southern Fujian.

Her works feature her thoughts and reflections on the world, as well as traditional folk patterns.

Zhangpu paper-cutting is monochromatic and emphasizes proportional composition, smooth lines, and graceful style. Zhangzhou paper-cutting has a powerful craft decoration effect due to the stark contrast.

Zhangpu paper-cutting was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items in 2008.

Zhangpu paper-cutting was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009 as part of the Chinese paper-cutting tradition.

Lin Tao's paper-cutting artwork showcases the scene of dragon boat racing on Dragon Boat Festival, which is a traditional Chinese festival that falls on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. [Photo/Xuexi Qiangguo app]

Lin Tao's paper-cutting artwork depicts fisherman harvesting large fish on the sea. [Photo/Xuexi Qiangguo app]