This unique art originated in the sixth century, when paper invented in China around 105 A.D. was brought to Japan by religious monks. (There is question about whether actual origami folding began in China or Japan because of a lack of written records.) Due to its high cost, the art of origami was initially used only for ceremonial purposes and associated with religious events, but later, the invention of mass printing and production allowed the general public to access paper.
Thus, by the Edo period in Japan (1603-1868) came around, the public had already popularized the activity of folding paper - known then as orikata - and many pamphlets and other written instructions had been produced and distributed. It was widely regarded as an activity of mass leisure, and further exemplified by Akisato Rito’s Sembazuru Orikata, a book that began the legend of one thousand cranes to help heal the sick.
By the nineteenth century, children in across the world had taken to folding paper for a fun activity, and now in the twenty-first century it is regarded as a fun household activity. There are thousands of shapes available online or in stores to fold, and many guides for beginners to advanced folders. Steps range from six or seven small steps to maybe even hundreds of steps.
Why don't you give it a try?
| The most famous types of beginner origami. |
| Probably an intermediate level. |
| Very advanced. |
