VIRTUAL London Heritages Conference
Abstract
This paper explores Hua Yang (花样), paper-cutting patterns, a historically significant yet largely overlooked form of Chinese folk design, with particular attention to its origins, techniques, and cultural functions. Despite its widespread use across centuries, Hua Yang has received minimal scholarly attention within both Chinese and Western art historical discourse. Drawing on a combination of visual analysis, historical sources, material and craft study, this research traces the historical evolution of Hua Yang, from its initial use as embroidery patterns in the imperial palaces of Chang’an during the Great Tang Dynasty, through its adaptation as templates for wood, stone, and jade carvings, to its contemporary significance as a collectable family heirloom. Technical analysis of cutting methods and traditional tools provides further insight into its craftsmanship and aesthetic vocabulary. By situating Hua Yang within wider discussions on vernacular art, intangible heritage, and cultural identity, the study argues for its critical reappraisal and highlights the need for its preservation through interdisciplinary and digital means.
Han Liu is a PhD in the School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham. He is a member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, member of the International Design Club (IDC), member of the International Association of Designers. Dr Han Liu is specialised in product design and development, and interdisciplinary research in art and science. He has over 20 awards and academic publications in international design competitions, books, and research papers in peer-reviewed journals and international conference proceedings, including the Red-Dot Award, and A’ Design Award.
Dr Vincent van Bever Donker holds a DPhil from the University of Oxford and currently serves as an Associate Lecturer in English Literature at the University of Northampton and a Visiting Lecturer in Academic Skills and English at the University of Buckingham. His research focuses on English for Academic Purposes and contemporary English literature. His recent monograph, Recognition and Ethics in World Literature: Religion, Violence and the Human, examines ethical frameworks within global literary contexts.
Bususu Chen has a rich background in the Arts and Music. She is a Licentiate of Trinity College London, having passed the Piano Performance Diploma (Level 6 Qualification), and is currently working towards FTCL. She has competed in numerous competitions across Birmingham, Dudley, and Northfield, gaining publicity as a finalist in Bromsgrove’s International Musicians’ Competition and appearing in Dudley’s newspaper for advancing into the Regional Finals of Rotary Young Musician. She has performed in charity and community concerts, once playing Mozart’s Double Piano Concerto with a peer. Additionally, she is engaged in Chinese Art and Music. She performed the Pipa (national instrument) for cultural festivals in venues including Trafalgar Square, SOAS, Telford, and Watford Junction.
Dr Xiaowei Zhang holds a PhD in materials engineering and specializes in additive manufacturing of metallic materials, computational design, and interdisciplinary model-material-process research. Notably, he is also an accomplished Chinese folk Hua Yang Patterns artist and industrial designer, blending artistic tradition with technological innovation. With over 40 publications and 10 patents, he previously worked as a research fellow at the University of Birmingham. His career spans academic roles at KUST since 2015, mentoring eighteen MSc students, and advancing manufacturing science through art-infused engineering solutions.
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Friday 27th June, 2025