Inspiration for this stamp is the work of Henri Matisse and in Mexican cut-paper flags, but artist Q. Cassetti’s work builds on a long history of cut paper as art. Papercutting originated in China, perhaps as early as the fourth century A.D. It spread to Japan and eventually the Middle East. By the 16th century, Turkey had a prominent guild of professional papercutters, and by the 17th century, areas in Europe had developed their own regional styles. While Matisse might be the most famous of papercutters, many people practiced the accessible art, including farming peasants who used cut-paper designs to brighten their cottages.