It is also playful, warm-hearted and sentimental ! Long focusing on Alpine life, nature and animals, modern versions may address themes such as ecology. Requiring paper, scissors or a cutter, plus a sense of perfection, colourful, all-white, all-black, or asymmetrical compositions now join classic black-and-white symmetrical patterns. Paper-cutters in Château-d'Oex and the Pays-d'Enhaut have earned the region a reputation as a centre of excellence for their art. Pioneers include Johann-Jacob Hauswirth (1809-1871) and Louis Saugy (1871-1953), a postman who welcomed Winston Churchill and the Spanish royal family to his workshop in Rougemont! With temporary exhibits, a vast collection of old and new works, the Musée du Pays-d'Enhaut in Château d'Oex is seen as the Swiss centre for paper-cuts. Until 7th May, 2023, giant reproductions of paper-cuts by 25 contemporary artists are also on display on a 1-hour circuit of the village. 

Another treasure-trove of local craftmanship, Heimatwerk Saanen is holding an exhibition of Elisabeth Beutler's paper-cuts from 13th January to 18th March, 2023. The Hüsy Restaurant in Blankenburg also offers a fine display of these wonders of finesse and fascination!