SAEDNEWS: Paper cutting is one of the delicate handicraft arts, in which the artist, after designing on paper, cuts the pattern using scissors. Join Saed News as we explore and get acquainted with this fascinating art form.
Paper cutting, known as “Qata’i” in Persian, is a delicate and precise art form in which the artist, after designing on paper, removes parts of the paper using scissors or a specialized knife. The cut pieces are then glued onto a differently colored background to create a new composition. Paper cutting is among the fading arts in Iran, with a history spanning over 400 years, dating back to the Timurid era. It is considered one of the most unique legacies of Iranian aesthetics, showcasing unparalleled masterpieces in bookbinding, illumination, manuscript decoration, and other paper-related decorative arts.
The origins of paper cutting are often attributed to China, though some suggest it emerged during the Mamluk period in Egypt and Syria. In Iran, the art dates back to the Timurid era. Many scholars believe paper cutting reached its peak after 1500 CE. In Evolution and Diversity in Islamic Calligraphy, it is noted:
"The art of Qata’i, or cutting and hollowing parts of paper, has a long-standing history in the Islamic world. It originated from metalwork embroidery applied to leather and paper to decorate manuscript folders during the 9th century AH in Timurid Iran. Later, calligraphers adopted this technique."
There are several theories regarding its origin:
Some believe it evolved from making leather and cardboard masks used in shadow plays, which predate paper cutting in Iran.
Others suggest it first developed among craftsmen making burnt leather book covers before becoming an independent art form.
Another theory holds that paper cutting was imported to Iran as an independent art, possibly from China, given its earlier development there and historical relations between China and Iran in the 7th century AH.
Many Persian sources attribute the invention of paper cutting to the reign of Sultan Husayn Bayqara (878–912 AH), though the art undoubtedly predates this period.
Qata’i, or paper cutting, is a refined form of handicraft where the artist designs on plain or colored paper, then cuts the patterns using scissors or a special knife called a shafreh. The cut pieces are then mounted onto a differently colored background. In English, Qata’i is commonly referred to as Paper Cutting, with equivalents such as Paper Cuts or Decoupe Work. Artists working in this medium were historically called Qata’i or Qati’.
In Poland, paper cutting influenced graphic arts globally, but in Iran, it primarily served bookbinding and manuscript decoration. Old handwritten books often featured paper-cut designs on their opening and closing pages. Some Qur’ans and poetry collections were embellished entirely with paper cutting. For instance, a Qur’an preserved in the Sarkari Rampur Library in India features all letters, verses, and chapters made from cut paper, glued onto a red background.
The essential materials and tools for paper cutting include:
Paper: White or colored, neither too thin nor too thick.
Scissors or Shears: Sometimes specialized knives (shafreh) were used.
Metal Stylus Tools: Sharp-tipped instruments for cutting curves, circles, or intricate holes.
Cutting Board: A surface on which the paper rests while designs are cut with hand pressure or hammering.
Cardboard: Used as a base to mount the cut pieces.
Due to the visual appeal of paper-cut designs, some manuscript pages replaced traditional illuminations, medallions, or headings with colored paper cuts. For example, the aforementioned Qur’an in Rampur Library features all its text cut from paper and mounted on a red background. Paper cuts were also used for prayers, hadiths, moral poetry, and the names of prophets and Imams, either hung on walls for blessings or bound in albums for preservation.
Despite its illustrious history, paper cutting has unfortunately declined in Iran. This was partly because it was often considered a “childish game” or folk craft, lacking the recognition and support given to other arts. Conversely, in European countries such as Poland and Switzerland, paper cutting has flourished, with Poland recognizing it as a national art form despite its relatively recent origins.
