Origami, << `awr` uh GAH mee, >> is the art of folding paper into decorative objects. The term is the Japanese word for folded paper. There are about 100 traditional origami figures, most depicting such natural forms as birds, flowers, and fish. An abstract, ceremonial form of origami, called a noshi, is a pleated paper ornament attached to gifts. Most origami is folded from an uncut square of paper. The most common sizes of square are 15 centimeters and 25 centimeters (6 and 10 inches). The preferred paper is thin Japanese paper called washi, but foil-backed wrapping paper and heavy art paper are also used.
Origami, like paper, originated in China. But the art flourished in Japan. Since the 1940’s, it has reached new levels of complexity and realism.
