EST. EDO PERIOD. KYOTO, JAPAN
The ancient art of transforming a single sheet of paper into sculpture — practised across centuries and cultures, refined through generations of devoted masters.
Origami comes from the Japanese words ori meaning “folding”, and kami meaning “paper”. It is the art of paper folding, which is associated with Japanese culture. In modern usage, the word “origami” is used as an inclusive term for all folding practices, regardless of their culture origin. The goal is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques. Modern origami practitioners generally discuss the use of cuts, glue, or markings on the paper. Origami folders often used the Japanese word kirigami to refer to design which use cuts.
F E A T U R E D L E S S O N
A masterwork selected for its extraordinary complexity
SPEAR-TAILED DRAGON
This lesson is taught by no other than the head of Murakami House of Origami. It contains 5 mini videos on how to complete each step of the process.
The Murakami House has been using ancient techniques that have been handed down within the family since the Endo period.
Lessons:
1. Making the head and neck
2. Forming the body
3. Making the wings (Part 1)
4. Making the wings (Part 2)
5. Shaping the tail
This lesson contains bonus links to suppliers for materials
used in this tutorial.
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The small number of basic origami folds can be combined in a variety of ways to make intricate designs. The best-known origami model is the Japanese paper crane. In General, these designs begin with a square sheet of paper whose sides may be of different colors, prints, or patterns. Traditional Japanese origami, which has been practiced since the Edo period (1603-1867), has often been less strict about these conventions, sometimes cutting the paper or using nonsquare shapes to start with. The principles of origami are also used in stents, packaging, and other engineering applications.
M A S T E R C L A S S L E S S O N S
Curated works from the world’s finest origami artists
Wiley Fox
In Japan, foxes symbolize intelligence associated with the Shinto spirit Inari. This particular origami is challenging to make but produces one of the finest example of the Kitsami Origami style.
9/10
SKILL LEVEL
Regal Bloodhound
Bloodhounds have been part of humankind especially in hunting. In this lesson, we will learn to uses two monochromatic paper colors to produce a simple but effective Tsumisiru effect.
5/10
SKILL LEVEL
Wise Owl
Owls have always been part of lore and it isn’t suprising that we also find it very much in origami. This lesson is famous for combining two different pieces into one without glue or adhesive.
7/10
SKILL LEVEL
Resting Lion
The king of the animal world finds its place among important origami creations. This particular example uses curled tips popularized by the famous origami artist, Shintzu Omahari.
8/10
SKILL LEVEL