The Art and Science of Origami

Origami is the art of folding paper into sculptures.

Origami has Japanese roots but its origin is unknown.

The word origami means folding paper in Japanese.

Origami starts with a flat square sheet of paper.

The Japanese paper crane is the best-known origami model.

Modern origami usually avoids cuts, glue, or markings.

Origami paper is usually colored on one side only.

Washi is traditional Japanese paper made of plant fibers.

Basic folds like valley and mountain build complex forms.

Modular origami uses many pieces to form one model.

Action origami moves when parts are pushed or pulled.

Origami principles aid engineering in stents and packaging.

Akira Yoshizawa innovated wet-folding and origami diagrams.

Origami remains a living art worldwide and scientific tool.