History

Origami is the art of paper folding: the name is constructed from the two Japanese words ‘ori’ (meaning fold) and ‘gami’ (meaning paper). Paper folding has been used in both China and Japan for ceremonial and traditional purposes for many hundreds of years. However, there is also a Western tradition that is not as well documented.

A new origami art is emerging where paper can be transformed into many aesthetically beautiful forms. But for most people origami is fun, a way of relaxing and being creative with very simple materials. People have designed action models, such as flapping birds and jumping frogs, and origami based games and puzzles. Origami is no longer an esoteric Eastern art, but a creative pastime that is accessible to everyone.

 

Techniques

Paper can be folded to create almost any shape, from simple representational designs, through detailed animals, to complex insects. New folding techniques have emerged to produce tesselations and more complex designs, such as a plated pangolin.

 

Local forms

 

 

Sub-crafts

 

 

Issues affecting the viability of the craft

 

 

Support organisations

• British Origami Society  – celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017

 

 

Craftspeople currently known

 

 

Other information

 

 

References