Kirie (“cut picture”) is the refined Japanese art of hand-cut paper,　originating from rituals and imported from China around the 7th century. Over centuries—especially with the spread of durable washi paper—it evolved into both a revered craft and a popular performance art during the Edo period. Created with simple tools like sharp blades and thin paper, Kirie relies on meticulous hand-cutting to reveal intricate designs from a single sheet, often employing contrasts of light and shadow and finely balanced positive and negative space. Motifs traditionally focus on nature, folklore, and seasonal symbolism, while modern masters like Masayo Fukuda and Shu Kubo reimagine Kirie through ultra-realistic renderings and mixed-media experiments. The art continues to captivate audiences worldwide—valued for its delicate craftsmanship, cultural symbolism, and contemporary resonance.