The name origami is derived from the Japanese words oru (to fold) and kami (paper) which literally means, “Folding paper”. Though paper was invented in the 1st century A.D. in China and introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks in the 6th century A.D., it is difficult to establish whether the art of Origami was invented in China or Japan. It is, however well established that origami evolved into a very high art form in Japan.

Origami was extensively used in religious ceremonies and various aspects of Japanese life, especially architecture. Thus, origami became an integral part of the Japanese tradition. There is a limited written record of those periods as most of origami instructions were passed on through the orally. Senbazuru Orikata (Thousand Crane Folding) is said to be the oldest written document available on origami. Origami spread to the Arab world in the eighth century. The Arabs used origami for studying the geometry of paper and in exploring possibilities in mathematics. They took this to Spain in the twelfth century where it evolved into paperflexia, which is still popular in Spain as well as Argentina.

Origami And It Popularity

Friedrich Froebel introduced paper folding in Germany around 1835, during the kindergarten movement. This was the introduction of Origami to the Western world. It became a popular children’s hobby in the England of Queen Victoria, and children’s books by Lewis Carroll highlighted the art when they featured the illustrations of two simple origami hats.

The popularity of origami in recent times is largely attributed to Yoshizawa Akira. He devised new ways of paper folding which were quite radical from the traditional methods. He developed a technique known as black coating to produce paper that is best for folding. He also developed the technique of wet folding which facilitates easy molding of 3D model of paper. He even published books with new models of origami in the 1950’s. He collaborated with American Sam Randlett and developed the standard set of origami diagram symbols that are used today. He is considered the grandmaster of origami in the world. He popularized it to the extent that various origami associations were established for origami enthusiasts. These associations and clubs produced many master paperfolders. Novel and innovative ways of paper folding is constantly being developed. Origami has evolved from a technical skill to a complete new level.

The creative composition of models and paper choice is crucial in this newfound artistry. Complex shapes of insects with intricate details are created which was impossible in the past, giving origami a modern touch of anatomical significance.