Zasady origami

According to Chinese chronicles, paper was invented in China by the Han court eunuch Cai Luna. Around 105AD, the clerk experimented with bark, silk and fishing nets until he stumbled upon the method involving linen and silk rugs which resulted in creation of vat paper.

Archaeological examinations, though, demonstrate that paper was used since 8BC. A paper scrap inscribed with 20 Chinese language signs originates from that year. It was found at the Jade Gate – Silk Road’s border watch tower. Invention of paper might even date back to II century BC, with plain sheets of paper found at the archaeological posts from that time.

It is most likely then, that Cai Lun only invented the means of paper’s ‘mass production’.¹ The art of producing paper quickly spread across the Middle East, later reaching Europe.

In spite of progressing technological developments and first steps being taken in creation of e-paper, the traditional paper remains an essential every day resource.

Paper is a crucial or an indispensable element of a number of art disciplines. It can be cut, glued, drawn and painted on; with the use of paper dimensional shapes, mosaics, and origami models can be created.²

In traditional origami most of the models are created from a single, square sheet of paper. Look of the final model is highly influenced by paper’s colour and type. Origami paper should be easily foldable, durable and of a suitable substance.

Colour copy paper

Although colour printing paper is very cheap and widely available, its substance and other characteristics are not always suitable for a comfortable creation of an origami model. A very smooth or cardboard-like paper can spoil all the creative fun. Therefore, ahead of making a purchase it is advisable to test the paper e.g. by quickly folding a simple model.

The advantages of the copy paper are its price and a wide colour range; it’s a perfect material for large workshops. The copy paper is sufficient for creating simple models; specialised paper has to be used when folding more complicated figures. It is also worth trying to create models from large sheets of paper, even up to 1m wide. Printing a decorative pattern on one side of the sheet brings an interesting detail to the model.

Colour wrapping paper

Although very decorative, not every packing paper is suitable for origami. Double-sided varnished sheets tend to be inappropriate, while the mat ones – although looking less attractive – do their origami job very well. Apart from the variety of patterns, the packing paper is also very useful with its plain and single coloured sides, providing interesting visual effects. It is quite hard to find perfect paper from wide range of shop offers and it might also prove problematic to cut the paper evenly. On the good side though – you can decide on the paper’s size yourself.

Brown paper

That’s origamists’ Holy Grail! It a must supply for every advanced origami enthusiast. Not everyone falls for it though – it demands highly precise folds, has very specific rigidness and well – folding a 1 x1 square might be bizarre. However, it is ideal for extra proficient models and finding your way round the crease patterns. We first stumbled upon the packing-paper origami models of Adam Szewczyk. Now this material is quite widely used – not only in Poland.

Flower paper

A very interesting selection of patterns can be found among the flower-decorating paper. Delicacy and extraordinary decorativeness are its main characteristic. Its application is quite versatile – it is mostly used for creation of complicated models. This sort of paper can be bought from most of the florist’s or flower tradeshows, mostly in tubes.

Other folding paper

Typing paper, chalk paper or even notepad sheets are suitable for some origami models. We would not advice using drawing pad’s paper, cardboard or very thin paper such as tissue or napkin. Very interesting results are created with the use of patterned paper – even animal skin resemblance can be achieved.

Specialist paper

Origami convents, international meetings and shops are a perfect source of specialist origami paper. The offer is usually very wide, ranging from plain or two-coloured sheets, to pattern ones referring to Japanese traditions. Metallic, fluorescent or ‘textile’ papers are also available. In Japan one might even stumble upon specialist shops fully devoted  to the art of origami.

Watch out for fakes!

Some companies use the images of origami models on the packaging of their products. Unfortunately, the contents are not always suitable for creating traditional models. Quite often, although the packaging features traditional origami model, the paper inside is of the business card quality – totally inappropriate for any origami enjoyment!

Elaboration: Rafał Sabat

¹ source: wikipedia

² fragment inspired by the introduction to ‘The Art of Origami’ by R. Zanoni

(eng: J. Sowa)