Etymology and Definition

The term "origami" derives from the Japanese words "ori" (folding) and "kami" (paper), which, due to phonetic changes, becomes "gami" in compound form. Traditionally, origami involves creating sculptures by folding a single square sheet of paper without the use of cuts, glue, or markings. While originating in Japan, the term is now broadly applied to all paper folding practices, regardless of cultural origin.

Historical Background

Early Developments

Paper was introduced to Japan from China via the Korean Peninsula by the early 7th century. Japanese papermakers refined the craft, producing washi, a durable and pliable paper ideal for folding. The earliest documented reference to origami in Japan appears in a 1680 poem by Ihara Saikaku, mentioning folded paper butterflies used in Shinto weddings, indicating the art's integration into Japanese culture by that time. (britannica.com)

Ceremonial and Recreational Origami

Origami in Japan is traditionally categorized into ceremonial (girei origami) and recreational (yūgi origami) forms. Ceremonial origami, or "origata," involves stylized folding techniques used in rituals and gift-wrapping, often adhering to strict etiquette codes established during the Heian period. Recreational origami, which gained popularity during the Edo period, focuses on creating artistic models for entertainment and artistic expression. (en.wikipedia.org)

Global Influence and Modern Evolution

The 20th century saw origami's global expansion, influenced by figures like Akira Yoshizawa, who developed a standardized notation system for folding instructions in 1954. This system facilitated the international sharing of designs and techniques. In the United States, Lillian Oppenheimer played a pivotal role in popularizing origami, founding the Origami Center of America in 1958. (britannica.com)

Techniques and Materials

Basic Folds and Bases

Origami relies on a set of fundamental folds, including valley and mountain folds, pleats, reverse folds, squash folds, and sinks. These folds combine to form standard bases like the bird base, fish base, waterbomb base, and frog base, serving as starting points for various models. (en.wikipedia.org)

Wet-Folding

Developed by Akira Yoshizawa, wet-folding is a technique that involves dampening the paper to allow for more sculptural and curved forms. This method is particularly useful for creating models with intricate details and lifelike appearances. (en.wikipedia.org)

Materials

While standard origami paper, known as "kami," is commonly used, traditional washi paper is prized for its strength and texture. Washi is handcrafted from fibers of the gampi tree, mitsumata shrub, or paper mulberry, offering durability and a unique aesthetic. (en.wikipedia.org)

Cultural Significance

Orizuru and Senbazuru

The orizuru, or paper crane, is one of the most iconic origami designs, symbolizing peace and longevity in Japanese culture. The practice of folding a thousand cranes, known as senbazuru, is believed to grant the folder a wish. This tradition gained international recognition through the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who folded cranes in hopes of recovering from leukemia caused by the Hiroshima atomic bombing. (en.wikipedia.org)

Contemporary Applications

Beyond traditional practices, origami has influenced various fields, including mathematics, engineering, and architecture. Techniques derived from origami principles have been applied to develop deployable structures in space exploration, medical devices like stents, and efficient packaging solutions. (en.wikipedia.org)

Related Art Forms

Origami shares similarities with other paper arts, such as Chinese paper cutting, which involves creating designs by cutting paper, and kirigami, a Japanese variation that incorporates cuts into the folding process. These art forms, while distinct, reflect the diverse cultural expressions of paper manipulation. (en.wikipedia.org)