Innovative Application of Paper-Cutting Art in the Costume Design of Ethnic Minorities in Yunnan

Abstract

As an important component of intangible cultural heritage, Yunnan paper-cutting art carried profound cultural connotations within the costumes of ethnic minority groups. However, it faced significant challenges of inheritance and innovation under the impact of modernization. This study focused on the costumes of the Yi, Bai, and Dai ethnic groups, and adopted cultural translation theory as its conceptual framework. Through a mixed-methods approach, it systematically explored innovative design pathways for integrating paper-cutting art into ethnic costume design. The findings revealed that the application of paper-cutting elements mainly took the form of embroidery patterns and decorative accessories, with totemic motifs serving as core carriers of ethnic identity. Nonetheless, several challenges remained, including the disruption of technical inheritance, design homogeneity, and low market penetration. In response, this study proposed three strategic directions - technological integration, educational collaboration, and industrial synergy - to transform paper-cutting from symbolic decoration into “wearable cultural narratives.” This research offered a practical framework that combined cultural depth with commercial viability, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of traditional craftsmanship within modern consumer ecosystems.