Japanese Origami Experience | History of Origami日本の折紙体験 | 歴史
History of Origami
Origami is not just a game of paper folding; it is a traditional art deeply connected to Japanese history and culture.
Tracing its origins, we can see that it has spread to Shinto rituals, gift-giving culture, and even education.
In this issue, we will introduce the history of origami.
The Birth of Washi and Japanese Ingenuity
After paper manufacturing methods were introduced to Japan from the continent in the early 7th century, Japanese ingenuity led to the creation of thin, durable paper known as washi.
At first, sutra copying and recording were the most important uses of paper, but it also came to be used in Shinto rituals, and people began to wrap various items such as offerings to the gods in paper.
Eventually, the folded paper used to wrap offerings and gifts led to the development of ritual folding, in which the wrappings were folded beautifully to decorate them.
The Muromachi Period The Flowering of Orikata Etiquette
In the Muromachi period (14th and 15th centuries), the Ogasawara family and the Ise family established a variety of etiquette, and the etiquette of paper wrapping (ritual folding) was conceived at that time. The noshi wrappings and the female and male butterfly folds still in use today are remnants of these origins.
The Enjoyment of Origami Spread During the Edo Period
The Enjoyment of Origami Spread During the Edo Period Origami was a way of enjoying the folding process itself, away from the rules and regulations of etiquette. In the Edo period (1603-1867), the production of paper increased and origami became even more popular with the general public. In 1797, the world's oldest book on origami, “Hifu Senbazuru Orikata” was published.
Origami Culture Spreading to the World from the Meiji Era
In the Meiji era (1868-1912), origami was introduced into kindergarten education, and elementary schools began to teach it in handicrafts and drawing, and it became increasingly popular. Today, origami has spread to many parts of the world, and several associations of origami enthusiasts have been established and continue to flourish.
