Yang Jiali – Artisan of Zhizha Paper Art in Kaiyuan City, Honghe
Yang Jiali – Artisan of Zhizha Paper Art in Kaiyuan City, Honghe
Yáng Jiālǐ is a representative inheritor of paper扎 (paper crafting) in Kāiyuǎn City, Honghe Prefecture. Below is a detailed introduction about him:
Background and Artistic Journey
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Early Life: Yáng Jiālǐ was born in 1922 in Wǔmiào Street, Kāiyuǎn City. Due to poverty, he did not attend school and was illiterate. He began working as a helper at a young age.
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Learning Craft: While working for a family skilled in paper扎, Yáng Jiālǐ learned the craft through observation and practice. Impressed by his dedication and talent, the master eventually took him as an apprentice. After three years of training, he became independent and started his own practice.
Artistic Achievements
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Versatility: Yáng Jiālǐ is known for his versatility in creating paper扎 works for various occasions, including funerals, festivals, and celebrations. His works range from traditional paper figures to colorful lanterns, boats, and animals.
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Recognition: His contributions to the preservation and promotion of paper扎 art have earned him recognition as a provincial-level representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage.
Heritage and Challenges
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Current Status: Due to his advanced age, Yáng Jiālǐ now focuses on simpler paper扎 projects. Unfortunately, his children are not interested in learning the craft, leaving him without direct heirs.
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Cultural Impact: Despite the challenges of modernization and changing cultural practices, Yáng Jiālǐ’s work continues to inspire appreciation for traditional paper扎 art.
Yáng Jiālǐ’s dedication to preserving this traditional craft has made him an important figure in the field of intangible cultural heritage.
Zhizha: Taoist paper art, is a type of traditional craft, mainly used as offerings in Taoist festive celebrations and funerals.
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