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Sources for Origami History
Hatori Koshiro has a very complete history on his page: K’s Origami : History of Origami.
Additional information was found on Eric Anderson’s history page.
The SIAM News, Volume 34, Number 8 has a very good article called “In the Fold: Origami Meets Mathematics”
Artistic Origami
A Folded Canvas
In Japan origami is not an art form, it may be ceremonial, but it is not thought of as art. Some look at the intricate pieces that are created and can only see something of beauty and worthy of the term art form.
Artistic origami is thought to be the form of origami that can not be reproduced. It is the final form that the artist uses paper to express an object. In mathematical origami, or even traditional origami, that produce repeatable crease patterns that any folder may follow to produce what the designer intended. Artistic origami does not necessarily bi-sect or tri-sect angles, its folds are not calculated, rather felt.
Artistic origami is anything that stretches beyond the definition and rules that encompass modern origami. The use of different mediums, such as fabric, would constitute stretching the definition. The importance is that origami is meant to be enjoyed in whatever form you choose to follow, either precise or artistic, the esthetic value is to those that create, those that fold, and those that choose to enjoy the final product.
Mathematics in Origami
Did you say Math?
Why, yes, I did say math? But don’t stop reading now, this is an exciting and interesting trip into the connection of mathematics and modern day origami. You would be amazed at all the applications that origami has in the mathematical and scientific community. It starts with teaching school age children geometry and ends with the folding pattern of parachutes for space probes. There are several applications of origami that have developed following the the first mathematician to see the unique opportunities that origami presents.
Tessellations
That is quite a name, but Tessellations are simply mathematically derived folding patterns. When the pattern is printed on paper, called a crease pattern, it can look very intimidating and complex, but Tessellations are well worth the effort and create unique folding patterns.
Unit Origami
A unit is one folded piece, unit origami is based on the foundation of using one model folded numerous times, then attached together to form the whole piece. There is no glue involved, simply using the folds to secure the pieces together. It can make something as simple as a lighthouse and a wreath or a complex as modeling mathematical models that use bisected and trisected angles, as well as three deminsional representtions of geometric shapes.
Modern Origami
The New Origami Paradigm
The 20th Century brought in a complete change in the way origami is viewed. The father of modern origami, Uchiyama Koko, patented his orgami models, which had never been done prior to him. Not only have the models been copyrighted we are seeing the diagrams that explain the models hold copyrights as well. Modern origami has brought about certain standards in how diagrams are drawn, as well as overall growth and recognition thanks to many individuals that have formed organizations specifically to popularize origami throughout their communities.
Modern or traditional origami is thought to be folded out of a single sheet of square specialized origami paper. However, now there are folders that have transended that rule and folded from triangular or even hexegonal shaped paper. In 1999, Joseph Wu, a very renowned origami designer wrote a simple definition of origami:
“Origami is a form of visual / sculptural representation that is defined primarily by folding of a medium (usually paper).”
Origami was passed down to new generations, just as folk tales were. Each new generation altered small details to make the story or the folding pattern better. In this modern time it is necessary to allow the folder to “own” the shape that is being worked on so it may be expanded and evolved.
Where did origami originate?
That is a question that many historians have been asking. It seems that there is no clear indication of when, or where, it originated. Unlike popular belief that origami originated in China or Japan, there is evidence in Europe that also indicates origami development. There are many fiber historians that believe that origami originated in fabric, and was then translated to paper, once paper was invented. That would indicate that Fabric Origami would be a restoration of a lost art, not a burgeoning new technique.
The earliest recorded evidence of origami in Japan is a poem that was written by Ihara Saikaku in 1680, which directly referred to origami. However, in Europe, Johannes de Sacrobosco wrote a book called the “Tractatus de Sphaera Mundi” in 1490 which depicts a picture of a recognizable origami boat. There are even folded horses and riders, thought to be folded in somewhere around 1810, in the German National Museum and Museum of Saxon Folk Art. At some point the Japanese traditional and ceremonial origami became mixed with European causing a fusion of ideas. Since the early 19th century origami has been a part of the worldwide culture, and continues to evolve.
Origami Explained
What is origami?
Paper folding.
Fabric folding.
Napkin folding.
Money or even towel folding.
How about all of the above!
The word origami is a Japanese word when broken down means “oru” to fold and “kami”, paper. Traditional origami is folded using a specially created paper that is colored or foiled on one side and white on the other. Using the contrast of the special paper, origami folds create intricate animals, birds, flowers, and every day objects. In a series of what are called “mountain” and “valley” folds a simple square piece of paper can turn into something amazing.
Origami has transended from paper. The possibilities are limitless. Yes, there are those staunch traditionalists out there that would tell you that paper, and only paper, should be used. That to use glue would break a cardinal rule, and to cut into a piece would be sacrilege. However, there is more to origami, and more to discover. It is an art form, used around the world to form beautiful pieces of jewelry, quilts, home interior decorations, and much more. It is an engineering form, used to create better airbags in vehicle, space exploration, and teaching simple geometry to youth. It is traditional, a form of ceremony, a celebration of heritage.
This is the history of fabric origami