Master Paper Cutter Hon-Tien Cheng has been demonstrating the art of Chinese paper cutting for 45 years.

He can cut better pictures than anyone can draw. Master Paper Cutter Hon-Tien Cheng has been demonstrating the traditional art of Chinese paper cutting.

Dressed in a traditional Chinese robe and hat, Cheng used a pair of scissors to cut intricate designs out of plain paper that would put the best snowflake cutter to shame.

In addition to handing out profiles of individuals made in less than a minute and cut outs of Sponge Bob Square pants, Cheng is selling matted cut outs of Chinese characters, bamboo, tigers and more.

The art of paper cutting dates back to the Han Dynasty in the 6th century when paper was invented. Traditionally, when everything was white and covered with snow, red cut outs added a splash of color. They were also used as patterns of intricate needlework and lacquer work, according to chinavista.com.

Cheng's repertoire is apparent to anyone who witnesses his turning a paper plate into a three-dimensional E.T.

Cheng has been practicing the art of paper cutting for the past 45 years. He has written three books - including The Chinese New Year, which was given the title of "Notable Children's Book" buy the American Library Association.

His goal is to popularize this art in the United States.
"It's an art not many people know," Cheng says.

Cheng's latest appearance is a CitiBank commercial. "There's more to life than money," the commercial boasts. This certainly holds true-Cheng's talent is truly priceless.