Innovative Designs of Dai Paper-cutting Patterns from the Perspective of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Abstract

This paper takes the Dai ethnic paper-cutting art of Dehong, Yunnan as the research object, studies the intangible cultural heritage of Dai paper-cutting, and explores the extraction and innovation of its traditional patterns.In response to the current innovation dilemma faced by traditional handicrafts in the process of modernization, the core of this research aims to solve two key problems: "how to systematically analyze the cultural connotation of Dai paper-cutting" and "how to achieve innovative transformation of its expression in contemporary design".

To address this issue, this study constructs an interdisciplinary methodology for cultural decoding and design coding. First, we comprehensively utilize literature review and field investigation methods to solidify the theoretical foundation and field evidence of our research. Furthermore, by introducing semiotics and schematism, the patterns of Dai paper-cutting are systematically deconstructed, and the visual external composition at the "signifier" level and the cultural connotation at the "signified" level are analyzed from the perspective of semiotics. Based on this, shape grammar is innovatively used as the core generation tool. Through the theoretical definition of a series of rules such as deformation, copying, and rotation, traditional patterns are logically deduced and derived.

The core objectives are threefold: 1. To systematically organize the traditional elements, patterns, compositions, and cultural value of Dai paper-cutting art. Through textual research, field investigation, and semiotic analysis, this study systematically sorts out the traditional element system and cultural value of Dehong Dai paper-cutting. First, from the perspective of visual form, it extracts the unique symbols of Dehong Dai paper-cutting, including regionalized patterns, iconic compositional forms, and technical characteristics. Secondly, we analyze the deeper meaning behind the patterns from the perspective of cultural value. 2. Based on the analysis, complete the extraction and fusion of paper-cutting elements. Based on semiotics and other theories, this study uses shape grammar to deduce and recreate traditional pattern units by defining a series of basic rules based on translation, rotation, mirroring, scaling, etc. 3. Promote the integrated and innovative development of paper-cutting and expand its practical application areas. The innovative patterns described above are applied to specific design practices, such as displaying the patterns on everyday consumer goods and cultural and creative products, to empirically demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the innovative design methods proposed in this study.

The study validated the theoretical path through objectives and design practices, and successfully applied the innovative patterns to the design of cultural and creative products such as coasters and scarves. The results of the questionnaire survey and data analysis show that the public has a high degree of understanding and acceptance of innovative designs that combine clear cultural expression with beautiful and unique patterns, which verifies the feasibility of the innovative approach of this study. Ultimately, this study not only provides an operational theoretical model and practical case for the contemporary transformation of Dai paper-cutting, but also offers a valuable interdisciplinary methodological reference for innovative design research on similar intangible cultural heritages.

-