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

• Mathematical and technical origami – using paper folding for mathematical insights (for example flat-foldability)
• Kirigami – paper cutting
• Teabag folding – rosette greeting cards

 

Issues affecting the viability of the craft

• Origami is a wonderful low-resource activity, all you need is paper, even photocopy or recycled paper. Of course, for a display model, it’s worth seeking out some beautiful paper. It is accessible to all ages and to both hearing and visually-impaired learners.
• The focus is generally on recreational rather than professional training and techniques.

 

Support organisations

• British Origami Society, who celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017. They are a registered charity who promote the study of folding within recreation, academic and scientific research, well-being, therapeutics, motor skills, relaxation and many other benefits. They offer electronic membership, as well as producing a bi-monthly printed magazine. (www.britishorigami.info)
• Origami USA

 

Craftspeople currently known

• Nick Robinson  – a professional origami artist for over 30 years and author of 86 books on the subject.
• Mark Bolitho – professional
• Michael Trew – professional

 

Other information

 

 

References