Japanese Patterns of Design
Origami Horse by David Brill

Origami Art: Origin, History, and Fantastic Folding Works

Origami Art with Dynamic Sophistication

Origami art, Origami Horse by David Brill
Origami Art: Paper Folding Horse by David Brill (brilliantorigami.com)

Origami Art- Japanese paper folding works are widely popular around the world and its elaborate design is being updated vigorously. What is unique about it is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques. Let’s take a look at its history and how a sheet of paper can transform into a wonderful art?

Brief History of Origami

White Japanese paper
White Japanese paper

It is a unique Japanese art; we can find its origin in the wrapping paper.

Japanese people find beauty in straight lines and its square shape as we’ve been familiar with straight-lined rice fields and architectures.

In the Heian period (794-1185), the paper itself was valuable and really expensive.

Originally, people used the papers for recording and copying of a sutra, then used in Shinto rituals to wrap offerings for kami (Shinto gods).

The court nobles put their passion in how much they could make a gift look beautiful with a wrapping paper.

Later, not only to the court nobles, but also among samurai classes adopted this custom and created their own folding techniques.

Holding Noshi, Japanese envelop for gift
Holding Noshi, Japanese envelop for gift

We can see that trace in today’s noshi (a small piece of red-and-white paper) for weddings and gifts as origami art.

In the Edo period (1603-1867), paper folding filled some ceremonial functions such as noshi began to be attached to a gift.

This tradition continues to this day, you can see them often on greeting gifts.

Animal Origami for the Enthusiast: Step-by-Step Instructions in Over 900 Diagrams/25 Original Models (Dover Origami Papercraft)
Get your Animal Origami Instructions Book on Amazon!: Animal Origami for the Enthusiast: Step-by-Step Instructions in Over 900 Diagrams/25 Original Models (Dover Origami Papercraft)

Chiyogami (Traditional Japanese Folding Paper) – Origami Art

Chiyogami is one of Washi, the traditional thin and durable Japanese paper. Washi is generally tougher than ordinary paper made from wood pulp, and is used in many traditional arts.

Chiyogami Crafts: History, Paper Dolls, and Bookmarks

Amazing Origami Kit: Traditional Japanese Folding Papers and Projects [144 Origami Papers with Book, 17 Projects]
Get your copy on Amazon!: Amazing Origami Kit: Traditional Japanese Folding Papers and Projects [144 Origami Papers with Book, 17 Projects]
Especially Haibara Chiyogami (shown above), which is known for its sophistication, was introduced to England for cultural exchange in the late 1800s, its fineness inspired the movement of Japonism along with other Japanese culture.

Yoshizawa–Randlett system – Origami Art

The Yoshizawa–Randlett system is a diagramming system used to describe the folds of origami models.

In the early 1900s, Akira Yoshizawa created a number of innovative origami art such as wet-folding, which brought its art to the new level.

Wet-folding is used often by professional folders for non-geometric origami, such as animals.

Dampened paper can be molded easily and produce models with gentle curves, which make the origami very natural looking.

Akira Yoshizawa, Japan's Greatest Origami Master: Featuring over 60 Models and 1000 Diagrams by the Master
Get your copy on Amazon!: Akira Yoshizawa, Japan’s Greatest Origami Master: Featuring over 60 Models and 1000 Diagrams by the Master
Step-by-step instructions on how to make a crane using the origami technique. DIY concept. Children's creativity.
Step-by-step instructions on how to make a crane using the origami technique. DIY concept. Children’s creativity.

When you start folding origami, mastering them will take you to the next level of more complicated origami art.

Many origami books begin with a description of basic paper folding techniques which are used to construct the models.

Studying its construction in a mathematical manner made the origami more complexed and sculptured forms in the 1980s.

Action Origami – Origami Art

Yes, they move! Birds that flap their wings; frogs that hop, and the paper top that really spins. Traditional action origami models like the flapping bird, the shuriken, and the jumping frogs are relatively easy to fold.

Technical Origami – Origami Art

Technical origami reference image: 3D vector abstract tech illustration, perspective geometric unusual background with wireframe.
Technical origami reference image: 3D vector abstract tech illustration, perspective geometric unusual background with wireframe.

With advances in its mathematics, the basic structure of a new origami model can be theoretically plotted out on paper.

Therefore, it enables folders to create a new work of extremely complex multi-limbed models such as many-legged centipedes and elaborate spheres.

Exquisite Modular Origami
Get your copy on Amazon!: Exquisite Modular Origami

Technical origami reference image: Set of geometric 3D polyhedral shapes from triangular faces
Technical origami reference image: Set of geometric 3D polyhedral shapes from triangular faces

In modern days, origami is developed by folders all around the world, new designs are born every day.

You can start with ORIGAMI CLUB where there are tons of instructions, once you master folding of very basic one like a crane and expand your territory into more complex ones. It would be so much fun to find your favorite design and create cool ‘architecture’ on your own!

Folding Techniques for Designers: From Sheet to Form
Get your copy on Amazon!: Folding Techniques for Designers: From Sheet to Form

Folding Paper: The Infinite Possibilities of Origami (Tuttle Origami Books)
Get your copy on Amazon!: Folding Paper: The Infinite Possibilities of Origami (Tuttle Origami Books)

Origami Ikebana: Create Lifelike Paper Flower Arrangements [Origami Book and Instructional DVD]
Get your copy on Amazon!: Origami Ikebana: Create Lifelike Paper Flower Arrangements [Origami Book and Instructional DVD]

References

おりがみの歴史 (NIPPON ORIGAMI ASSOCIATION)
Akira Yoshizawa: The Master of Origami (Amusing Planet)

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Through digging Japanese history, we believe we can find more beauty through exploring patterns, designs, and spirits backed by our curiosity. We share the thoughts and images for the better understanding of what the country with the world's largest history can offer. Enjoy exploring and discovering insights with us.

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