Master Paper Cutting Artist Hou-Tien Cheng

Master Hou-Tien Cheng visited Hopkins on Friday, February 18, as part of the Chinese Departments New Year celebration. In Heath Commons he delighted students and faculty alike by making custom paper cuttings in the form of hats, silhouettes and folded figures. From simple paper plates and sheets of paper,  Mr. Cheng snipped and cut with speed and accuracy to render anything from a pirate ship, to a dragon mask to Spongebob Squarepants within minutes. Each visitor to his table waited patiently for their turn to request a custom piece, and many stayed long after theirs was complete, enthralled with the precision and creativity of this traditional Chinese paper artist.

Mr. Cheng was a much anticipated guest this year, after the popularity of his visit last year. Mr. Cheng travels all over the country, bringing his paper magic to schools, festivals and fundraisers. We hope he will return to Hopkins again next year.

Watch some clips from Mr. Cheng's demonstration above.