Origami

The word "origami" is derived from the Japanese words "ori" ("to fold") and "kami" ("paper"). The term is now used to refer to the art of folding paper to create sculptures or decorative designs. In general usage, origami refers to the paper-folding arts developed in China, Japan and Spain, though some practitioners use the term only to refer to Japanese paper folding.

Decorative paper folding originated in China near the second century BCE. Early examples of paper folding bear little resemblance to modern origami, and were used in rituals and official ceremonies. Shortly after its invention, paper folding was adopted as a leisure activity.

Around 600 CE, paper folding was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks. The practice eventually became part of the rituals of Japan's Shinto religion. The Japanese developed paper folding for decoration and enjoyment, and produced the first examples resembling modern origami.

The term "origami" was originally used only for Shinto folding practices. The word gained wider usage during Japan's Showa period (1312-1314). Origami flourished in Japan during the Muromachi and Tokugawa periods (1333-1868), and became a popular activity for people of all ages. The first texts on origami, published in the 1700s, include directions for folding a number of simple designs.

Another form of paper art was developed in Africa by the Moors, who later introduced the art to Spain. This style of paper folding is often used in the construction of elaborate geometric designs and wall hangings. Spanish practitioners began to develop paper sculptures some time during the 1100s.

The most famous practitioner of Spanish origami was author and philosopher Miguel Unamuno, who developed several innovative forms of paper folding in the early twentieth century. Unamuno's Spanish followers carried his art to Central and South America.

Akira Yoshizawa of Japan is regarded as the inventor of modern origami. Yoshizawa's innovative techniques became famous worldwide in the early 1950s when he published several texts on the subject. Following Yoshizawa's work, the term origami became widely used to refer to all paper folding arts.

Illusionist Robert Harbin popularized origami in Europe with his book Paper Magic (1956). He also produced a series of television programs to demonstrate and teach origami techniques.

In 1984, Japanese expert Makoto Yamaguchi opened one of the first origami galleries. Since that time, experts around the world, including American masters Robert J. Lang and Peter Engel, have featured their works in artistic exhibitions.

Today, there are thousands of books on origami, covering everything from basic folding patterns to the history and sociological development of the art. New techniques, such as using multiple sheets of paper, cutting the paper, or using water to sculpt paper, have also been developed. However, some purists believe that the term "origami" should be used only to describe artwork created from single sheets of paper.

Techniques

All origami relies on the ability to complete a number of basic folds, derived from different methods of creasing, bending and refolding the paper. The basic folds are then coupled with advanced techniques in the creation of original designs. Before attempting advanced techniques, the beginner will need to master the basic folds, which include:

• Valley fold
• Mountain fold
• Fold and unfold

Pleat

• Rabbit ear
• Swivel fold
• Reverse fold

Crimp

• Squash fold
• Petal fold
• Spread squash fold
• Open sink
• Closed sink

Wrap

The wet folding technique was first developed by modern origami pioneer Akira Yoshizawa, and has become a standard technique for serious hobbyists and professionals.

There are several methods for wet folding, all of which involve applying water to the paper before and during folding. Wet paper allows the formation of smooth curves and tight folds. When the paper dries, the sculpture is fixed into position.

Many artists use cloth to dampen the paper and then use a straight edge for creasing and folding. Experimentation is required to determine how much water should be used without over-dampening the paper.

Trends

Ideas taken from origami have been used in engineering, theoretical mathematics, and astrophysics. Mathematical origami is a growing field with practitioners around the world.

Mathematicians study the possible shapes that can be created from a two-dimensional piece of paper. Likewise, some origami artists integrate geometry into their artwork by creating complex geometric designs and tessellations.

Another field of modern origami, pioneered by Robert Lang and Meguro Toshiyuki, uses computer programs and detailed measurement techniques to create a design or map before beginning to fold. This is a reversal of historical patterns, as most origami artists create new designs by trial and error.

Origami for Fun vs. Profit

Most origami practitioners are hobbyists who practice origami for enjoyment and recreation. Some hobbyists sell their origami creations as ornaments, decorations and jewelry.

Advanced hobbyists have turned their artwork into a career by writing books, teaching classes, or selling and displaying their art through galleries, museums, or specialized origami vendors.

Learning More

Organizations

Origami USA <http://www.origami-usa.org/>

British Origami Society <http://www.britishorigami.info/>

Books

Engel, Peter. Folding the Universe: Origami from Angelfish to Zen. New York: Random House, 1989.

Kasahara Kunihiko. Origami Omnibus. New York: Japan Publications, 1988.

Yoshizawa, Akira. Akira Yoshizawa, Japan's Greatest Origami Master: Featuring over 60 Models and 1,000 Diagrams by the Master. Tuttle, 2016.