The only naterial used, paper, is available everywhere in abundance in all colors, sizes and shapes. Beautiful, artistic creations may be made without the use of special tools.

Origami is first mentioned in the 4th century AD. Square and rectangular pieces of paper were cut and folded into symbolic representations of the spirit of God and hung at the Kotai Jingu (Grand Imperial Shrines) of Ise as objects of worship. Later Origami came to be used in various other kinds of ceremonies.

Orizuru

The Japanese people are often said to be gifted with skilled hands. The skillfulness of the Japanese ca be found in the delicate industrial arts, that is, in the products made by trained and skilled crafts people. If you wish to see the skillfulness of an ordinary Japanese, I suggest you go up to a woman and ask her to make an Orizuru (folded paper crane). Most people would quickly fold, without using glue or scisoors, a crane out of a square piece of paper such as a candy wrapper. In this simple action you may observe the traditional craftsmanship of the Japanese.

Senbazuru

One Thousand Cranes are still widely made, especially by girls. Comprising numerous folded paper cranes connected with a thread for hanging, it derives from the ancient Japanese belief that one can have one's wishes come true by folding one thousand paper cranes. You have probably noticed the Senbazuru hanging from the monuments at Peace Park.

 

As a pastime for women and children, Origami dates back to the Heian Period (741-1191). However, Origami of the modern style, in which scissors and cutting are not used, did not develop until the Muromachi Period (1338-1573), and by the end of the Edo Period (1603-1867), about 70 folding designs had been devised including the crane, frog, ship and balloon. Today, children in particular, still enjoy this type of Origami play.

In modern Origami art only one sheet of plain paper is used. The paper is available at stationery and toy shops. It is square and colored on one side only. For special artistic work, however, paper and color are especially chosen to suit a particular theme. Here the paper may take many shapes, rectangular, circular, semi-circular etc.

Origami is useful in many aspects of daily living such as interior decorations and as fashion accessories. In the field of packaging design, Origami has been applied to the development of practical and attractive paper boxes, cartons and wrappings.

Information provided by: http://mothra.rerf.or.jp/ENG/Hiroshima/DidYouKnow/102.html