For centuries, the Japanese culture has been practicing a gorgeous form of art called Kirie. Literally meaning “cut picture,” kirie is essentially the Japanese art of paper-cutting.
There are variations of the art of kirie around the world, however, the Japanese variant is one of the most well-known. It has been used during religious ceremonies dating back to 700 A.D.
So, what exactly is kirie? Basically, negative space is cut from one single sheet of stark white paper then placed against a black background to reveal the shape and form that was cut out.
One person who has mastered the art form of kirie is named Masayo Fukuda and she’s recently created a masterpiece that has people around the world in complete awe.
Fukuda has been practicing art since she was a young girl, however, she started learning about kirie about 25 years ago. And since then? She’s completely mastered her craft.
One of Fukuda’s most beautiful, intricate, and mind-blowing pieces of kirie was completed in 2018 and it’s hard to wrap your head around what you’re looking at exactly.
Fukuda’s most treasured piece is a life-size octopus that appears to have many different layers when, in fact, it’s just one single sheet of paper.
With a closer look at Fukuda’s kirie octopus, it appears to be made of either lace or a drawing from a fine-point pen. But an even closer look, you’ll see that each tiny details are actually a cut-out of negative space in the sheet of white paper.
“I liked drawing since I was a child. I started Paper Cutting Art about 30 years ago and have improved skills by self-study,” the artist says on her website. “Among the limitations of one sheet of paper, how far can we put a life into a work? I am exploring it over my whole life.”
So, how exactly does Fukuda create such an intricate marvel of art? It starts with a mechanical pencil.
Fukuda starts by drawing out her vision onto the sheet of paper using nothing but a mechanical pencil. Her pieces are drawn by hand with only her imagination leading the way.
Once her draft is complete, Fukuda reviews the drawing to make sure that no detail was left undrawn. Once satisfied, it’s time for the real artistry to begin – Fukuda puts her kirie skills into action.
Using just one small cutter, Fukuda begins to cut each and every detail into the sheet of paper.
Going through each mechanical pencil line, Fukuda delicately cuts and cuts using her small cutting tool. One slip of the hand and the entire piece of art could be ruined.
Soon, the seemingly 3-dimensional shape begins to emerge. It’s as if the octopus is actually coming to life. It’s hard to believe that it is just a two-dimensional sheet of paper.
Finally, Fukuda’s octopus was complete. When she lays it on her hands, you can see the incredible size and detail of this glorious piece of art.
Take a closer look at just how finely detailed the cuts of Fukuda’s kirie creation really are. It truly looks like delicate lace.
Absolutely unbelievable.
Fukuda has created other nautical creatures, flowers, and other pieces of nature using the same technique, and it’s just as impressive.
If you’d like to learn more about Fukuda and her artwork, visit her website and follow her on Instagram.
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