History of Origami in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 26, 2024

Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, involves transforming a flat square of paper into a sculpture using folds and sculpting techniques. While "origami" is broadly used for all paper folding, it traditionally excludes cutting, gluing, or marking. Cutting techniques are often referred to as "kirigami" by origami practitioners.

1908: Publication of "Origami Zusetsu"

The year 1908 saw the publication of "Origami Zusetsu," a book that made a clear distinction between origami for ceremonial purposes and origami for recreation.

1976: Intangible Cultural Properties of Kuwana City

In 1976, Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture, recognized 49 origami methods from the book "Hiden senbazuru orikata" as Intangible Cultural Properties.

1992: Invention of Teabag Folding

Dutch artist Tiny van der Plas invented teabag folding in 1992. This papercraft art involves folding small, symmetrical pieces of paper to create 3D forms.

2000: Growing Popularity of Origami Tessellations

After 2000, origami tessellation, a branch of origami where pleats connect folded shapes in repeating patterns, gained significant popularity.

2006: First International Convention on Origami Tessellations

The world's first international convention dedicated to origami tessellations was held in Brasília, Brazil, in 2006.

2008: First Instruction Book on Tessellation Folding Patterns

In 2008, Eric Gjerde authored and published the first instruction book dedicated to tessellation folding patterns, marking a significant step in the field's growth.