What's happened. From the history of origami The history of the origin of origami
Every modern person has probably heard about such an art form as origami. However, often even those who like to spend their free time folding all kinds of paper figures do not know what the history of origami is, when and where this art originated.
Where and when did the art of origami originate?
The obligatory material for this type of art is, of course, paper. Although the first paper-making machine was invented in China, the history of origami begins in Japan. It was the Japanese who began to put together various figures at the beginning of the 8th century. By the way, in Japanese the word “origami” means “folded paper.” It is worth noting that in those days paper was a very expensive material, so it was available only to churches and monasteries. The monks made special paper boxes called “sanbo”, in which they made sacrifices to the gods. These first origami crafts were made without the use of any tools, and the material was only paper.
A little later, every Japanese aristocrat knew how to make similar boxes to present a gift to a loved one or as a tribute to God. And after 600 years, paper ceased to be such a valuable resource, which allowed this art to develop at a rapid pace. The history of origami has probably long been forgotten by the Japanese, but the technique they presented for folding the first airplanes, animal figurines and amazing flowers delights the whole world today.
The most ancient origami crafts
As mentioned above, the first products made using the origami technique were boxes. But since they were made solely for practical and not decorative purposes, they cannot be called true works of art. Crane - it was with this figure that the history of origami as an art form began. In the first Japanese publication on origami, entitled “Semba - tsuru orikata,” which translated means “How to fold a thousand cranes,” the features of folding 49 models of cranes from paper were described. It was a fairly detailed origami instruction, although with a minimal amount of graphic illustrations. This book was published in 1797 by the abbot of the Rokan Temple.
It is worth noting that the book includes instructions for folding not only individual cranes, but also various combinations of them. For example, the figures could be given the shape of a garland, which was obtained by connecting several cranes by the tips of their wings or beaks.
Development of the art of origami in the world
The art of origami in Japan began to develop most actively after World War II. The history of origami owes much to the Japanese master Akiro Yoshizawa. It was he who began to fold the first, until then unknown, paper figures, among which were frogs, fish, cranes, iris flowers and many others.
As for European countries, the adherents of this art living on their territory learned a lot from Japan. However, it cannot be said that the history of origami in Europe is connected exclusively with the Land of the Rising Sun. Thus, some of the figures were folded by Spanish craftsmen, and the symbol of origami in this country is paper birds - “pajaritas”. There is an assumption that this figurine was first put together in Toledo in the 12th century.
In 1937, Europe's first book on origami, Making Paper Toys, was published in London. Its author was Margaret Campbell. Thanks to her, it became easier to fold such origami crafts as “bird”, “water bomb” and “frog”. And in 1946, a diagram of folding a crane was published in an English children's magazine.
Development of the art of origami in Russia
In Russia, the development of this type of art goes back to ancient times, but it is still impossible to give an exact answer to the question of when and how the first paper origami first appeared on the territory of our country. There is reliable evidence that Leo Tolstoy knew how to fold various paper figures and devoted a lot of time to this. His manuscript was found, where he mentions that one woman taught him how to make cockerels from paper, the homeland of which is Japan. These “creatures” flapped their wings very funny when their tail was pulled. Tolstoy wrote that later everyone to whom he showed how to fold this figure was delighted with what they saw.
If we talk about more recent times, the development of origami in Russia was so rapid that even during the period of the Soviet Union there was not a single schoolchild who could not fold a paper boat, airplane, cup and many other objects.
Varieties of origami
Origami crafts can be presented in the form of both flat and three-dimensional figures. By flat products we mean various animals and objects that have only one front side and are not able to maintain a vertical position on the surface. This technique is used to fold cats, bears, snowmen and many other figures.
As for volumetric origami, it is immediately worth noting that many people confuse this technique with modular, but these are two different things, and this is important to know. Speaking about volumetric origami, we mean that from one sheet of paper, through all kinds of folding, you can get a figure that will maintain a vertical position without outside support. Just remember the boats that can not only stand on the table, but also successfully sail along the stream. Many figures can be made in a similar way.
The simplest origami crafts
The instructions for origami “house” are one of the simplest. To do this, you will first need to fold a square sheet of paper in half, and then in half again, but this time vertically. The last action is performed to mark the center, to which in the next step it is necessary to bend the edges of the rectangle and again obtain a square. After this, the last bends unfold, and the upper part of the rectangle is bent to the first intended line at an angle of 45 degrees. After this, you should unfold the corner and, bending the top layer of the rectangle towards the middle, form a “roof”. Similar actions need to be done with the opposite side. Here the house is ready! To make it more realistic, you can use pencils, felt-tip pens or colored paper, glue and scissors.
Another common and simple paper origami is a boat. To make it, you will need a rectangular sheet of paper, which should be folded in half across, and then in half again, but this time lengthwise. Flatten the last bend and bend the upper corners of the sheet towards it. After this, one layer of the lower part, which remains after folding the corners, must be folded up on one side, and the second layer - up on the other side. Carefully bend the corners obtained on the sides to opposite sides so that they do not protrude. Next, bring the corners of the resulting triangle together to form a square. Next, the lower corners need to be folded up on different sides, and then the corners of the resulting triangle are brought together again. At the last stage, the upper corners need to be moved apart and you can go with the boat to the stream.
The emergence of modular origami
Modular origami, like regular origami - flat or three-dimensional, originated in Japan. The first mention of this art form dates back to 1734. It was then that the Japanese author Hayato Ohoko published a book that contained instructions for folding a modular cube.
Modular origami differs from conventional origami in that in the first case, folding one figure requires many small triangles, pre-folded in a special way into so-called modules, while traditional origami requires only one sheet of paper.
Technique for folding modules and connecting them
To make modules, you will need standard sheets of paper in quantities that are 4 times less than the number of modules required to make a future three-dimensional figure. First, a sheet of paper must be folded in four and, using scissors or a ruler, divided into 4 parts along the resulting bends.
Next, each of the four rectangles needs to be bent along and then across. The last bend is needed only to obtain a central line, which is necessary for the convenience of further work. After it is made, it is necessary to straighten the product and bend the side parts of the rectangle to the center line. Then you should turn the module over and bend the protrusions that remain upward, and the corners to the opposite side. Next, you need to go back one step and bend the protrusions inside the product. To obtain the finished module, it is necessary to fold the resulting triangle in half so that two pockets are formed on one side of it, into which the sharp ends of the second module will be subsequently inserted to obtain a certain shape.
Japan is an amazing country, I always wanted to learn as much as possible about this country, about its history, architecture, music, poetry, and fine arts. For example, the Japanese have developed the ability to create ikebana - these are narrative bouquets in which each flower carries a certain meaning. The art of bonsai is the art of growing miniature trees, as well as the trees themselves. The basis of Japanese art is brevity and laconism, and so is Japanese poetry:
In my native country
Cherry blossoms
And there is grass in the fields (Yosano Akiko)
In Japan, Europe and the USA, adults and children are keen on making figurines and even entire compositions from paper folded in a certain way - origami. And this art fascinated me most of all and became the object of my research. I have always been amazed that a miracle can be created from a square piece of paper, be it a flower or an insect, an animal or a geometric shape, or an entire composition. It’s as if you are the director of a fairy-tale performance, and everything is in your hands: the scenery, the characters, the script - and everything depends only on you, how great that is!
The purpose of the study is to develop several origami compositions based on the conventional international symbols adopted in origami.
Research objectives:
Cover the history of origami;
Analyze the connection between origami and mathematics and show ways of adding geometric shapes using origami;
Justify the use of new assembly methods in modular origami;
Create your own compositions.
Research methods:
Analysis of articles from books, magazines and Internet sites;
Execution of drawings and diagrams;
A sketch and description of the sequence of folding models using conventional international symbols accepted in origami;
Photo recording.
Basically, when writing the work, I relied on the book by Afonkin S.Yu., Afonkina E.Yu. “Fun origami lessons at school and at home.” I looked at several sites, in particular, the site of the Moscow Origami Center (www.origami.ru) and the site “Echo of the Russian magazine “Origami”, which provides data from the history of origami, describes in detail the basic forms, conventional international signs adopted in origami, etc. .
Testing the work in mathematics lessons, I showed my classmates how you can very easily fold geometric shapes using origami. During my fine arts lessons, I demonstrated a whole origami theater. At the Origamilk studio classes, the guys tried to replicate my own models. The appendix contains photographic material from the classes, as well as drawings of some of the works.
Chapter 1. Apprenticeship as an introduction to knowledge
A passion for origami requires knowledge of various fields of mathematics, biology, geography, and history. In order to make, for example, a bird or an animal using the origami technique, you need to know their shape, movements and habits: otherwise the dog will not look like a dog, and the sparrow will not look like a sparrow. Good results can be obtained only when all the rules and techniques in origami are correctly and consistently observed and followed, when, according to your own scenario, characters and necessary objects are consistently made from a sheet of paper.
1. 1. History of origami
Origami (Japanese “ori” means folding “kami” - paper) is the ancient art of folding paper figures. Its roots go back to ancient China, where paper was discovered. Afonkin S. Yu and U. Yu. noted that, despite the fact that paper itself appeared in China, it was in Japan that the art of folding paper figures of amazing beauty became widespread. Perhaps the fact that in Japanese the words “paper” and “god” are very similar also played a role here. As legend has it, in the 7th century, one wandering Buddhist monk Dan-Ho, who knew how to make ink and paper, “sneaks” to Japan and teaches monks how to make paper using Chinese technology. Very soon, Japan established its own mass production of paper, largely ahead of China. The first pieces of paper folded into unusual figures appear first in monasteries. Paper figures had a symbolic meaning. They were used in religious ceremonies, they were used to decorate the walls of temples, and they were placed on the sacrificial fire. One of the first paper figurines that have survived to this day are “sanbo” boxes, into which the Japanese put pieces of fish and vegetables intended as gifts to the gods. After some time, the ability to fold paper figures became an obligatory part of the culture of the Japanese aristocracy. This skill was passed down from generation to generation. Some noble families even used origami as a coat of arms and seal.
If we consider the history of Japan in detail, we can find such facts, for example, during the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Muromachi (1333-1573) periods, origami went beyond the temples and reached the imperial court. And when mass production of paper made it possible to reduce its price, the art of folding penetrated into the life of the nobility. And then the art of the samurai appeared. In those days, it was considered a sign of good upbringing for a rich nobleman to be able to entertain his lady at a ball by folding paper figures. At the same time, the art of folding secret letters arose. Using their skill, the samurai folded their notes in such a way that only an initiate could unfold it. In addition, origami figurines were often used in wedding ceremonies, home decorations, or festive processions.
During the Azuchi–Momoyama (1573–1603) and Edo (1603–1867) periods, origami evolved from a ceremonial art into a popular pastime. Since the end of the 16th century, origami has transformed from a ceremonial art into a favorite pastime of the Japanese. It was during this time period that most of the classic figurines appeared. Over time, origami (this term did not appear until 1880) became a mandatory activity in many Japanese families. Mothers passed on their knowledge to their daughters, showing the few figures they knew. If we look at the history of different countries, almost everywhere where paper production existed, their own traditions of folding various figures from a flat sheet developed (for example, in North Africa or Latin America).
But it was Japan that gave the world the art of origami. The appearance of a large number of original works is associated with the name of the famous Japanese master Akira Yoshizawa. It was he who came up with the “music alphabet” of origami, which made it possible to record and transmit the process of folding figures.
Conventions, symbols, and graphic signs invented by Akiro made it possible to record on paper the process of folding an origami figure. This remarkable discovery allowed origami to become a universal international language. And today, all books dedicated to the art of origami use Akiro Yoshizawa’s origami alphabet. In the second half of the 20th century, he was already actively using the system he had invented for recording the folding process and extracting many new models from well-known basic forms.
Analyzing the history of origami in Russia, we learned interesting facts; it turned out that the writer Leo Tolstoy knew how to fold paper figures. In the draft for the article “What is Art,” he writes: “This winter, one mother taught me to make cockerels out of paper, folding and turning it inside out in a well-known way, which, when you pull them by the tail, flap their wings. This invention is from Japan. I love it a lot.” Once I made these cockerels for children, and not only the children, but always all the big ones present, who did not know these cockerels, both the gentlemen and the servants, were amused and became close to these cockerels, everyone was surprised and happy: how similar to birds these cockerels flap their wings. whoever invented this cockerel rejoiced from the bottom of his heart that he managed to make the likeness of a bird, and this feeling is transmitted, and therefore, strange as it may seem, the work of such a cockerel is real art.”
In 1978, Akiro Yoshizawa visited the USSR, he demonstrates his art in Moscow, Leningrad and Nakhodka, but at that time the country was not yet ready, in response to the master’s single visit, to begin to develop this direction of creativity independently - there was not enough experience and books in Russian.
The development of domestic origami is facilitated by the creation in 1989 and 1991. two public organizations - the Moscow and St. Petersburg Origami Centers. To demonstrate the current state of development of origami, exhibitions are held in a number of cities: Nizhny Novgorod (1992), Cheboksary (1993), Yoshkar-Ola (1993), Moscow (1993), Tuapse (1993), Rostov-on-Don (1994). Origami is demonstrated at the Museum of Ethnography of the Peoples of the USSR in St. Petersburg (1993). In 1994, products made using the origami technique were exhibited in the Kunstkamera along with treasures from its oriental funds. In October 1995, the first edition of “Origami Lessons at School and at Home,” a textbook for elementary school approved by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, was published. Since 1996, in Moscow, the Akim publishing company began printing the magazine “Origami. The art of paper folding." In March 1996, the First All-Russian Conference “Origami and Pedagogy” was held in St. Petersburg, the materials of which were published in a separate collection.
In the history of Russian origami, the work of Mikhail Maksimovich Litvinov was of great importance. In the fate of Mikhail Maksimovich Litvinov, like vectors, three components can be traced: aviation, mathematics and art. It cannot be said that in each of these directions he strived for the absolute. But, having deeply connected himself with these professions, he, summing up the knowledge accumulated over the years, brought it into a completely new area, which at first glance might even seem frivolous to someone. And here his natural irony was of good service. He cast his lot in with origami, bringing new content to this art. Without being an engineer, mathematician and artist at the same time, it is impossible to understand the ingenious simplicity of the method, thanks to which a flat surface in the hands of an origami master can turn into a complex spatial structure. Based on this, Mikhail Maksimovich proposed to introduce the concept of “origami”, thereby making an ideological and stylistic combination of origami with the outstanding achievements of non-Euclidean geometry.
1. 2. Mathematics and origami
A lot of origami has to do with mathematics. The idea of origami is simple: by folding a square piece of paper, you need to get a specific shape. In classic origami, you do not need either scissors or glue, but only a sheet of plain paper.
The properties of the square and its parts are used when folding any model. But first you need to know what a square is, what equality of sides (angles) means, and how you can check it, what the diagonal of a square is, what parts it divides it into, what elements of the square are combined when folded diagonally, the relative position of the two diagonals, what is the middle line of a square, what parts does it divide it into, etc. finally, which elements of the square are combined when folded along the midline.
The construction of the simplest models of classical or modular origami begins with the construction of either the diagonal or the middle line of the square. And the folding of many figures continues to create well-known simple structures, which are called basic forms. Basic forms play the role of a kind of “debuts”, after performing which you can start your own “part”. In this regard, it is necessary to pay attention to the basic shapes of products, analyze the properties of geometric shapes encountered and used in their construction. This determines the further procedure for getting to know geometric objects. In this regard, I noticed that:
Firstly, origami masters distinguish a different number of basic basic shapes. So, for example, S. Yu. Afonkin and E. Yu. consider only nine forms, T. B. Sergeantova has twelve of them, V. V. Vygonov identifies seventeen basic forms.
Secondly, I analyzed the patterns of basic forms. The pattern is obtained by unfolding the assembled model to the original square. From the grid of lines that arises in the process of working on the model, only those along which the paper is physically folded in the finished model are selected. A pattern is the most compact form of recording a finished folded model on a plane.
This allowed us to conclude that the main lines on them are:
One or two square diagonals;
One or two of its middle lines;
One, two or three bisectors of triangles resulting from folding.
You can also identify patterns that have common lines.
Thirdly, in the process of constructing the basic shape, each line divides it into certain geometric shapes (triangles and quadrangles). When building origami models, it is important to have an understanding of the following questions related to mathematics:
What characteristic features should be identified in the quadrangle?
What is a diagonal, into what parts does it divide the figure being studied;
What elements of a quadrilateral are combined when folded diagonally;
The relative position of the two diagonals;
What is the midline, into what parts does it divide the figure being studied, what elements are combined when folded along the midline;
The relative position of the two middle lines.
In the process of work, practicing researchers formulate the definitions of the diagonal and midline of an arbitrary quadrilateral:
A diagonal is a straight line segment connecting two vertices of a polygon that do not lie on the same side.
The midline of a quadrilateral is a segment connecting the midpoints of its two opposite sides.
When performing work, I encountered some difficulties in constructing folds that combined, for example: opposite sides of a rhombus;
Adjacent sides of a rectangle;
The top and center of the rectangle, etc.
Studying such a geometric figure as a square, the most symmetrical of all types of quadrilaterals, and folding a rhombus along the middle line, I tried to combine not only the sides, but also the vertices of the rhombus. In this regard, with each construction, I tried to study the appearance of the quadrilateral and the properties of the fold line.
So, from all of the above, we can conclude that origami teaches such concepts as “plane”, “geometric body” and their relationships, the definition of horizontal, vertical and oblique lines, etc. With the help of this knowledge, it is easier to assimilate and consolidate geometric concepts.
Chapter 2. Original origami of a former student
The Japanese believe that the “great square” has no limit. An origami square acts as an original construction set - it can be transformed endlessly, there are crafts with 240-250 assembly points. I started folding my first works, starting with simple models. I folded according to the instructions given in the books. Having gained some experience and mastered this technique, I began collecting models. At the first stage, models were assembled based on simple basic shapes.
Kettle and glass (our own design)
When making the teapot, white thin paper in the shape of squares was used, the main module “Flower on a Candy”.
Stage 1 – the base of the teapot is made of three “Flower on Candy” modules.
Stage 2 – the spout of the kettle is made of one “universal” module.
Stage 3 – cover from the “kite” module.
Stage 4 – cover from the “kite” module.
The cup is made of white thin paper, the base repeats the assembly of the teapot base, but another base is added.
I designed some of the received products in a composition (volumetric paper plastic + origami)
“Fun Starts” (own composition development)
Stage 1 – making lilies (assembly based on the book by V. Sokolova. “Origami: Paper Toys Made from Paper”)
Stage 2 – leaves for flowers are made using the “kite” module
Stage 3 – the reeds are made using the “twisting” technique
Stage 4 – frog (assembly based on the book by S. Nesterov “Origami for the whole family”)
“Village” (own composition)
Stage 1 – making people (assembly based on the book by V. Sokolova “Origami: Paper Toys Made from Paper”)
Stage 2 – making animal birds (assembly based on the book by V. Sokolova “Origami: Paper Toys Made from Paper”)
Stage 3 – making Christmas trees (assembly based on the book by V. Sokolova “Origami: Paper Toys Made from Paper”)
Stage 4 – making a house (assembly based on the book by V. Sokolova “Origami: Paper Toys Made from Paper”)
Stage 5 – composition.
I also created a series of works assembled from modular origami. Modular origami provides many opportunities for creativity. Figures or compositions are created from small modules - folded pieces of colored paper. Even old magazines with pictures are suitable for this. You can make any motifs from the modules - small and large shapes. The modules are nested inside each other without glue. Depending on how they are connected to each other and what sizes of modules are used, you can get one design or another.
2. 2. Modular origami zoo.
Tiger (own development)
Tiger head.
1 row. We place the modules of the first row on the short side, the second - on the long side.
In the third row we double the number of modules - we put one module on each ray of the previous row. There are 12 modules in total, the first two rows are 6 modules each.
4th row - add 6 more modules evenly. In total - 18 modules. We add modules one at a time - we put one, as always, on two neighboring rays, the next two modules on rays of one.
Row 5 - add 3 more modules, for a total of 21 modules.
Row 6 - 23 modules in total, that is, you need to add 2 modules: put on 8 orange modules, then 15 yellow ones (in two places we put two on 1 module, one module on each ray.
Row 7 - 8 orange modules, 16 yellow modules (23 in total).
Row 8 - 8 orange modules, 17 yellow modules (25 in total).
Row 9 - 8 orange modules, 18 yellow modules (26 in total).
Row 10 - 8 orange modules, 19 yellow modules (27 in total).
Now we will put yellow modules over the orange modules and, conversely, orange ones over the yellow ones.
Row 11 - 9 yellow modules with the short side out, 18 orange modules, also with the short side out.
Row 12: add 7 modules. There are 10 yellow and 24 orange in this row.
There are 34 modules in total. The addition is done in this way: immediately after the yellow ones we put two modules on the rays of one module of the previous row, then, as usual, two modules, then again two modules on the rays of one module of the previous row, two modules in the usual way.
Row 13: 11 yellow modules, 5 orange modules, 1 black module, 11 orange modules, 1 black module, 5 orange modules.
Row 14: 10 yellow modules, 5 orange modules, 1 black module, 12 orange modules.
Row 15: 11 yellow modules, 4 orange modules, 1 black module, 13 orange modules, 1 black module, 4 orange modules.
Row 16: 10 yellow, 1 orange, 1 black, 20 orange, 1 black, 1 orange
Rows 17-19 - 32 orange modules, 2 black modules, all modules are put on with their length side out. In this case, the black modules of the previous rows are shifted from the tiger cub’s forehead.
Row 20 - all modules are orange.
21 row: at the back (or at the bottom - as you wish) - 9 modules are black, the rest are orange.
Row 24: reduce the number of modules to 23 modules.
Row 25: 23 orange modules.
Bring all modules together as close as possible so that the hole behind the head is as small as possible.
1st row - 7 modules, 2nd row - 6 modules.
Row 3 - 5 modules, black in the middle, row 4 - 4 modules, row 5 - 3 modules, black on the edges, row 6 - 2 modules.
Torso.
We assemble two rows of 30 orange modules. We immediately assemble the third row - 5 black modules, 25 orange.
In the fourth row we put on 4 yellow modules so that the black modules of the previous row remain on the right side, 26 orange ones.
Row 5 - 5 yellow, 5 orange, 5 black, 15 orange.
Row 6 - 6 yellow, 24 orange.
Row 7 - 7 yellow, 23 orange
Row 8 - 8 yellow, 14 orange, 5 black, 3 orange.
Row 9 - 7 yellow, 7 orange, 5 black, 11 orange.
Row 10 - 8 yellow, 22 orange.
Row 11 - 7 yellow, 23 orange.
Row 12 - 6 yellow, 22 orange.
Upper paws.
All modules (both the first and second rows are orange) are placed on the short side. A total of 9 modules in a row.
We immediately assemble the third row - 1 black, 8 orange.
4th row - 1 black, shift it one ray to the left, 8 orange.
Row 5 - 1 black, again shift it one ray to the left, 3 orange, black (we start another strip), 4 orange.
Row 6 - 1 black (we move it to the right by one ray), 8 orange.
Row 7 - There are only 5 modules in this row: 1 black, shifted one ray to the right, and on each side of it - 2 orange.
Row 8 - 4 orange.
We make the second paw in the same way, only we shift the first black stripe to the right, and the second to the left.
Lower paws.
We begin to assemble the first two rows of 11 modules in the same way as the top ones. In the first row all the modules are orange, in the second there is 1 black, 10 orange. We immediately begin to assemble the third row - 1 black, shift it in the same way as in the upper paws (on one paw - to the left, on the other to the right).
Row 4 - 1 black, move it, 10 orange.
Rows 5 and 6 – 11 orange each.
The model is ready.
Bunny (own development).
Torso.
We assemble three rows of triangular modules of 24 modules each. You can collect all three rows in one line, and then close them in a ring and turn them out. We put on two more rows of white modules. Now take colored modules for a dress of the same size and insert them between the corners of each module.
You will need 200 modules. Folding triangular origami modules. For the first row we place the modules on the short side, for the second - on the long side. We assemble three rows of 19 modules each and close them into a ring, turn the ring inside out, and lift up all the outer rays at the same time. We get a figure.
We continue to put on 19 modules in each row with the length side out.
The entire figure consists of ten rows, including the first. From about the fifth row, pay attention to the formation of the ball. Using your fingers from the inside, push the sides apart. The last rows should converge closer and closer to the center. You can press the ball from above to flatten it. Next, we assemble the entire model into a single form.
Conclusion
Classes in the origami studio have a positive impact on the development of children. Medical experts believe that it allows you to more fully use mental resources, harmoniously developing both hemispheres of the brain. The children improve their fine motor skills, their finger movements become more accurate (which is important for primary school students learning to write), and they develop perseverance. I observed all these processes when I helped elementary school students master this type of art during classes in the origami studio. After all, to get a beautiful figure, you need accuracy, attention, and concentration. In addition, origami develops memory, thinking, spatial imagination, and intelligence. It is not without reason that speech therapists use this activity in their practice. It also helps people with musculoskeletal disorders and mental disorders.
For me personally, origami became a new hobby that absorbed me completely. Now I have mastered not only the alphabet of origami as a diligent student, but I was also able to assemble more complex models according to the instructions of the Japanese master Akira Yoshizawa, and this led me to an independent creative approach to assembling new models and compositions. Making paper models brings me great joy and a desire to create and develop in this area of art.
Today, many beginning craftsmen are interested in the question of origami, where did it come to us, and what types exist? In our review we will try to consider in detail all the main issues.
Origami is a type of decorative art that originated in ancient China. As you know, it was here that paper was invented. It is the main material with which the master works. Essentially, origami is the art of creating different figures from paper. Initially, the figurines were used for various religious rituals, and only members of the nobility could create them. It was believed that mastering the technique of paper folding was mandatory for people of high position. In other words, this occupation used to be distinguished by prestige. This art is much more difficult than it seems, and you will soon find out why.
A classic origami figurine is created from a square-shaped sheet. To create figurines, you need to know a number of special symbols, which were introduced by the famous Japanese master Akira Yoshizawa back in the mid-20th century. Let's find out the history of origami and what origami is in general.
History of origami
What is origami and what is its history? We know that the art of origami came to us from Ancient China, but its further development and popularization took place in Japan. Local residents, already during the reign of the Heian dynasty, actively used paper figurines for various ceremonies. So, samurai gave each other certain symbols of good luck, which were created from paper ribbons. In addition, origami was also used in wedding ceremonies: paper butterflies were created to represent the bride and groom. At the same time, art, although it was most popular in Japan, also developed in other countries: Korea, Spain, Germany.
There are not many facts left in Europe about the development of paper art. But, nevertheless, it is known that the Arabs began to practice origami in the 8th century, the Moors “introduced” the Spaniards to this art in the 9th century. The Germans began folding figurines in the 15th century. Like the Japanese, origami was used for ceremonies. In Europe, origami became popular only in the 17th and 18th centuries. By this time, many classic models already existed. But at the beginning of the 19th century, the art of origami received a new round of popularity and development, and all thanks to Friedrich Froebel, who proposed introducing classes in kindergartens to develop motor skills.
Since 1960, the art of origami has spread throughout the world. During the same period, such a variety as modular origami appeared. Today, such art has acquired international significance; hundreds of schools and clubs have been opened all over the world.
What is modular origami?
If you already know all the intricacies of classic origami and have completely mastered this type of folding, then you will be interested in learning the modular technique, which is radically different from the classical one. The figures in it are flat, they are folded from one sheet of paper. Modular technology requires a completely different approach: the figure is made up of many paper parts (parts), which the master inserts into each other. The result is a beautiful and voluminous product.
Of course, modular technology requires a lot of time, as well as a certain skill. To create a beautiful figure you will have to put in a lot of effort. But such products look great, they can be compared to works of art. This origami will be a wonderful gift for friends and family. In addition, the items will decorate any interior.
An interesting type of modular origami is the “kusudama” technique, which we must remember. Its peculiarity is that the product is created from paper cone-shaped or spherical shapes. Their quantity is regulated by the master, depending on the complexity and volume of the finished product. Most origamists say that kusudama is a completely different technique. Since the elements of the figures are stitched together. Anyone who masters this technique will be able to create real floral masterpieces and decorate their home with them.
What is simple origami?
Simple origami appeared thanks to the British master John Smith. The peculiarity of the technique is that during the work process only “mountain” and “valley” folding is used. This style was invented for beginner origamists or for those who have problems with motor functions. Such a limitation does not allow the use of complex techniques that are quite familiar to the standard variety of this art. As a result, simple origami is really a simple type of technique with which you can start learning.
There is also a pattern folding technique that is worth talking about. Pattern means a development, which is a diagram or drawing according to which the figure is folded (all the elements and folds of the future finished model are depicted). It is very easy to work with such a drawing, because you only need to give it a shape. But at the same time, the pattern technique is more complicated compared to the classical one. Thanks to this method, you can not only fold the figure, but also find out how it was created. Therefore, patterns are used when developing new prototypes.
What is wet folding?
A special wet folding technique was developed by the great master of the art of origami, Akira Yoshizawa. The master used a small amount of water to make the material more flexible. Thus, the figures acquire the necessary smoothness of lines, become more expressive and tougher. This method is best used to design figures, flowers and animals, because they are more complex. In addition, it is thanks to the wet folding technique that the finished products look more natural. Note that not every paper is suitable for this method; you need to take a thicker one, which is based on water-soluble glue. The fibers will bond together better.
What paper to choose for origami?
At first glance, any piece of paper will do for the art of origami. But this is not entirely true, because not only the quality of the finished product, but also the creation process will depend on the choice of material.
For simple figures (crane, toad), standard paper on which we write (density from 70 to 90 g/m²) is suitable. Thicker types of paper (from 100 g/m²) should be used for wet folding.
In addition, special paper for origami, called “kami,” is also sold. These are ready-made squares, one side of which is colored, the other is white. The size of the squares can vary from 2.5 cm to 25 or more. There is a special foil material (on one or both sides). It differs from ordinary paper in that it holds its shape perfectly and you can work on the smallest details with it.
In Japan, a special material called “Washi” is used for this art. This is a special type of paper, it is tougher than regular paper, made from the bark of bamboo, wheat or rice. Note that square sheets are most often cut out for origami, but sometimes rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, etc. are also used. The master must choose the form based on his professionalism and skills.
If you find an error, typo or other problem, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter. You will also be able to attach a comment to this issue.
Today, origami can easily be called one of the most popular forms of creativity. The techniques for folding paper crafts are quite simple to learn, and anyone can do it.
In the article we will briefly tell the history of origami, dwell on the origin of the art, and also consider some of its other techniques.
In Japanese, the word literally means "folded paper." But the name “origami” itself appeared only at the end of the 19th century with the publication of the first books on origamis. Before that, the techniques for making paper crafts were passed on to each other visually and were called “orikata” (“folding activity”).
History of origin
Of course, origami is primarily paper crafts. And the first paper, as we know, appeared in Ancient China at the very beginning of the second century AD. Therefore, the history of paper origami must be associated with this country.
But it's not that simple. It is believed that origami originated in Japan. Allegedly, the first figurines originated from the art of draping fabrics, which was necessary in the manufacture of traditional Japanese clothing.
In addition, while paper was expensive and available only to temples, in both China and Japan origami was used only by clergy for religious worship.
Over time, origami crafts also appeared in Japanese noble families. A true nobleman was now even considered such if he could entertain a bored lady by folding these angular, but arousing interest, figures. And samurai used crafts to fold notes. Only “their” person could read this message by unfolding the figurine. Even later, origami began to decorate rooms during all kinds of festive celebrations.
A significant contribution to the history of origami for children was made by the German theorist of preschool education, founder of the kindergarten system, Friedrich Froebel. Back in the 19th century, he worked on developing a child’s logical thinking by putting together simple figures. The basics of geometry, embodied in the trick of folding a square out of paper, were borrowed by a German teacher, probably from the teachings of the ancient Arabs.
The 20th century became a real open gate in the history of origami art for the merging of all its traditions and united amateur origami artists from all over the world. To this day, textbooks are published in many languages of the world, centers are opened in which origami masters teach, and its forms and techniques are developing and becoming more complex. However, even basic models, which seem simple to experienced craftsmen, can arouse keen interest and even admiration among beginners taking their first steps in the world of origami crafts.
Basic models of classic origami
It is very possible that it is thanks to Froebel that today it is so easy to tell the story of the origin of origami for children using the example of such simple models as a cap, a boat, a glass. Well, most likely everyone did airplanes and jumping frogs at least once in childhood.
And here is another model that occupies an initial position in teaching beginners. Today in textbooks it is called the “Sanbo box”. The ritual Sanbo was once used to place various offerings to the gods in temples. Later, having crossed the temple threshold, it began to be used when setting the table. This is quite a universal container for storing, for example, nuts, sweets or paper clips.
And one of the most popular origami models is a miniature bird with spread wings. It probably appeared in Japan, because instructions for assembling this figurine appeared in Europe only towards the end of the 19th century. The World Exhibition in Paris, held in 1878, to which the Japanese brought this figurine and revealed the secret of its folding, became an incentive to unite the traditions of the West and East and to the development of a new world origami.
Modular origami
This technique looks like a natural extension of classic origami. In contrast, to create a model, not one, but several sheets of paper are used, and the limit on their number was nevertheless lifted, which made it possible to significantly expand the capabilities and imagination of their creators.
Using modular origami, three-dimensional figures are assembled: balls, boxes, stars, flowers. They are then assembled according to design into even more complex and intricate models.
The history of modular origami names the name of Mitsunobu Sonobe, who became the founder of this technique and still enjoys well-deserved recognition in Japan. Various variations of the basic models are, in fact, even called “sonobe” (or “sonob”).
But the American mathematician Robert Lang looked at this technique from a special, engineering point of view and developed algorithms for constructing figures that still amaze with the accuracy of their forms and filigree execution.
His genius also includes technical origami products: an airbag folded using the techniques of this art, and the development of a space telescope with a huge lens made in the form of a thin membrane. When folded with it, rockets were transported into space, where it could be deployed and used without any damage or folds.
Kusudama
The modular origami technique is based on the production of sonobe cubes. Most often they have two “pockets” into which the edges of other models are inserted. This is how a classic kusudama ball is formed. Sometimes the models that make it up are glued together or even stitched together.
From sheets of paper of different colors (some use candy wrappers or even banknotes as a basis for making), you can fold two-color or multicolor kusudama, similar to crystal balls or spherical inflorescences. They are also compared to regular crystals and molecules.
Multiple repeating flower segments with eight voluminous petals are one of the most fashionable flower patterns in this type of technique.
The Land of the Rising Sun has always loved figurines that could be used practically in everyday life. Thus, Japanese healers put aromatic herbs into the pockets of kusudama and hung them over the patient’s bed. And flower kusudas were used to make bouquets for the bride at wedding ceremonies.
Other types of origami techniques
The history of origami knows a large number of techniques for folding paper crafts. The simplest of them - ordinary origami - is intended for those taking their very first steps. It helps to master the simplest models, such as a box, a flower, a hare, a cat, etc.
And here is “wet” origami. It was invented by the tireless origamist Akiro Yoshizawa. To work in this technique, paper of increased plasticity is required, for which the sheets were moistened with water from a spray bottle. Or a thin layer of adhesive solution was applied to them. Figures made using this technique are a bit like papier-mâché crafts.
The kirigami technique, which appeared thanks to Masahiro Chatani, a Japanese architect, made it possible to use scissors when making crafts. Thick sheets of paper are cut and folded in a special way, which helps in making not only postcards, but also architectural models and three-dimensional ornaments.
There is also folding according to a development or pattern - that is, according to a drawing, where all the folds that should be present in the finished product are marked. The drawing contains many lines, and working with it requires the skills of an experienced origamist.
About the benefits of origami
Many teachers have said and will continue to say that origami is an absolutely invaluable activity for children. Firstly, it develops fine finger motor skills and imagination, and develops such important skills as perseverance and patience. Secondly, the little origamist learns in practice basic geometric concepts such as square, triangle, diagonal, vertex, angle, median. The technique of folding figures poses specific logical problems for him, which, when solved, will certainly reward the child with another elegant model. Finally, origami is inexpensive. All you need is the right size paper and a little patience to follow the instructions.
However, almost everything that has been said can be applied to adults. Moreover, the field of origami, it seems, will never become scarce and will constantly present its followers with more and more new techniques and options for realizing their fantasies and bold projects.
