Origami

Historical / Cultural Significance

The art of origami (paper folding), is known as one of the oldest traditional Japanese art forms, though its origins have been traced back to the Moors. The art of paperfolding has been practiced for centuries by the Japanese and passed on from generation to generation. Although origami is associated with Japanese culture, its influence has spread far and wide and is popular in various countries throughout the world.

The kite base is the fundamental building block composed of two mirror- image modules. As children get older and their fine motor skills develop, they are able to perform more complex folding modules. The Japanese become skilled experts by building on each preceding module; the fish base which contains 4 modules; the bird base, containing 8 modules, and the frog base, containin 16 modules. The 4 folding patterns form the basis for a majority of origami designs, each of these evolving in a pattern of increasing complexity from the first.

Boy's Day

May 5. A national holiday, also known as Children's Day, where traditionally boys make and wear a paper hat. This is a symbol of good health. Boys recieve dolls of warriors with miniature armor.

Girl's Day

March 3. Girls recieve a traditional wedding doll. Special dolls are displayed to celebrate a girl's growth and good health. The dolls symbolize good luck in their future marriages. Girls traditionally wear kimonos and eat rice krispies frosted with sugar.

Principles and Elements of Design

Harmony in form is achieved through the balance of symmetry and geometrical form of origami objects. The geometric shapes (squares and triangles), are connected by sharing edges. Origami's 3 dimensional form gives it a sense of realism. The color and patterns of origami paper reflect the beauty and balance of traditional Japanese patterns in the shapes, colors, and textures. Also, when the origami objects are grouped together, their physical relationship to each other changes as the viewer looks at them from different angles.

Techniques and Methodology

Materials are diverse! Various artists have experimented with money, newspapers, copier paper, book covers, metallic foil, gum wrappers, and regular origami paper.

For more ideas on Chinese art you can link to...

Chinese Bronze

Chinese Paper Cuts

Chinese Festivals

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