Definition
Origami is an ancient art of folding various mediums, most
commonly paper. Other materials often folded are fabric, wire mesh, sheet
metal, tissue, thin plastic, cardboard, and straws. The word comes from
the combination of the Japanese verb oru (to fold) and the noun kami
(paper).
History
There are many different interpretations on the origin of origami. The
common thread between the differing opinions is its parallel to the
various countries' invention and development of paper.
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Ts'ai Lun of China invented paper in AD 105 using bamboo strips as a
mold for strips of bark from a mulberry tree. This ancient secret was
passed down from generation to generation and was kept strictly within
China's borders for nearly 500 years. It is believed that in the late 6th
century or the early 7th century, the art of papermaking was introduced
into Japan.
Some believe that paper folding was discovered first in China with the
invention of paper and brought along to Japan when the art of papermaking
was introduced. Others argue that origami is a Japanese invention claming
that there are no known Chinese records of early paper folding. Regardless
of the differing opinions, it is quite evident that the art of paper
folding was most fully developed in Japan.
Origami was and still is an important part of various religious
practices of many cultures.
Origami Today
Origami today has been widely popularized by a plethora of books that
have been published strictly dedicated to the art of folding paper. The
authors are from all over the world with varied backgrounds and interests.
The modern efforts and the rise of popularity can be attributed to origami
master Akira Yoshizawa. He has published many books on how to fold
nontraditional models that he has invented. He also developed a standard
set of origami diagram symbols that are used in practically all origami
books to teach others how to fold a particular model.
This ancient art form continues to grow even further through the vast
resources of the internet. There are hundreds if not thousands of personal
and commercial websites offering everything from diagrams to pictures to
specialized paper.
Organizations and folding groups are developing all over the world for
people to gather and fold together and teach each other new models. There
are many national and local conventions and conference held in various
countries where people can meet their favorite author or take a class on
how to fold a particular model.
Informally and quite logically a difficulty rating has been developed
for origami models. Most traditional models falling under the beginner
category and the more complex models are considered intermediate and other
highly intricate models are categorized as advanced or expert.
Many authors and origami artists have become commonplace names in the
close knit society that has developed with the advance of electronic communication
and the wide availability of origami books. There are several email lists
and clubs dedicated to talking about origami and related topics.
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