History of origami

  • first origins
    100

    first origins

    Paper-making originated in China by Ts'ai Lun, a servant of the Chinese emperor. The art of paperfolding began shortly after
    * approximate date
  • early origami
    200

    early origami

    Samurai would exchange gifts with a form known as a noshi.
    This was a paper folded with a strip of dried fish or meat. It was considered a good luck token.
  • More early origami
    200

    More early origami

    Shinto Noblemen would celebrate weddings by wrapping glasses of sake or rice wine in butterfly forms that had been folded to represent the bride and groom.
  • paper in Japan
    Jan 1, 600

    paper in Japan

    Paper-making spread to Japan
  • First written directions fo origami

    First written directions fo origami

    How to Fold 1000 Cranes was published.
    * This date is approximate
  • cranes in Japan

    cranes in Japan

    The crane was considered a sacred bird in Japan. It was a Japanese custom that if a person folded 1000 cranes, they would be granted one wish. Origami became a very popular form of art
  • A Magician Turns Sheets of Birds

    A Magician Turns Sheets of Birds

    Japanese woodblock print that was made in 1819 entitled "A Magician Turns Sheets of Birds". This print shows birds being created from pieces of paper.
  • Window on Midwinter was published

    Window on Midwinter was published

    Window on Midwinter was published which included a collection of approximately 150 origami models.
    * approximate date
  • origami is spread to Engand and the US

    origami is spread to Engand and the US

    *approximate date
  • Symbols created for origami

    Akira Yoshizawa developed his set of symbols used for origami instructions
    *approximate date
  • More origami books

    More origami books

    Sadako and One Thousand Cranes was published by Eleanor Coerr and is linked with the origami crane and the international peace movement.
  • International peace project

    International peace project

    A Million Paper Cranes for Peace by the Year 2000
    * approximate date
  • Akira Yoshizawa

    Akira Yoshizawa of Japan is one of these. He is considered the "father of modern origami" because of his creative paperfolding.
  • Origami Today

    Origami Today

    Today people are still folding origami
  • Origami is spreading to spain

    Origami is spreading to spain

    Origami was introduced to the West (Spain) by the Moors who made geometric origami models.
    * approximate date