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Japanese Origami: Ancient Art History

Posted March 18th, 2010 by admin

Like many other aspects of Japanese culture, origami, from the word ori, meaning to fold, and gami, meaning paper, is said to have originated in China. It is thought that paper was first made and folded in China during the first or second century, and from there it developed into Japanese origami. The earliest record of the Japan craft dates back to the Heian Period, which occurred from 794 to 1185 AD. During this period, Japan’s nobility had its golden age and was a time of great cultural and artistic advances. Paper was still a rare commodity, so origami was a pastime only for the elite, and was folded into certain shapes for ceremonial occasions like weddings. White sheets were torn into strips and used to mark sacred objects. This is a custom which is still practiced in every shrine to this day.

Honorable Samurai warriors would exchange gifts in the form of noshi, a paper folded with a piece of dried fish or other meat. It was considered a token of good luck. Another example of the Japanese using it in a purposeful way includes wedding gifts given by Shinto noblemen. They would wrap glasses of rice wine or sake in butterfly forms to represent the newlywed couple. Additionally, the crane became a Japanese symbol of peace and good fortune.

As paper became less expensive, so too did easier methods develop. Japanese origami became a popular artistic endeavor for everyone, not just for the rich. Whether rich or poor, however, the Japanese people have always been very mindful of waste; they have always saved even the tiniest scraps of paper for use in their models.

It was not only the Japanese who were embracing the art of folding paper, but the Moors in Africa were as well. When they invaded Spain in the eighth century, they brought this art form with them. Because their religion prohibited them from making animal forms, the Moors created geometric figures instead. From Spain, this art form spread to South America, and as trade routes were developed, origami was introduced to Europe and eventually to North America.

Japanese origami is an art form that lends itself to intricately complex designs for accomplished artists, as well as simple origami designs that young children can do. It is easy to explain a design by using line diagrams or photos, and can be mastered by anyone willing to learn. Just as the ancient Japanese and Moorish peoples found creative and useful purposes for their models, so have modern Americans. Origami will also be a part of our future, as origami math geometry Kawasaki theorem education is available.

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Tags: animal origami, Japanese art, kid's crafts, origami, simple origami