What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
Considered the grandmaster of origami, Akira Yoshizawa is credited with raising origami from a craft to a living art.
Waiting perhaps for someone to create its cygnets?
Colorful, comical origami animals make wonderful gifts, especially for youngsters.
Deer are considered messengers to the gods in Shinto, the ethnic religion of Japan.
A branch of the paper folding technique where pleats are used to connect things like twist folds together in a repeating fashion. The results can be quite startling.
The serpent-like legendary creature is a favorite subject with aficionados of origami. Pictured is something Picasso might have rustled up.
A quirky Halloween alternative to the pumpkin.
The Jedi Master from Star Wars, complete with his characteristic wise smirk.
This is another example of origami tessellation, employed for more practical purposes.
Traditionally, the wings of the crane carry souls up to paradise.
The art of paper folding kicked off in Japan in the early 17th century. But there is evidence that the craft was being practiced in China during the Song Dynasty (960 to 1279 CE).
The Japanese seahorse is usually dark brown and has a relatively long tail.
A fiery-colored Stegosaurus on the prowl.
The mythical winged divine horse, one of the most recognized creatures in Greek mythology.
Bull Tōgyū, also known as ushi-zumo or Bull sumo, is a spectator sport native to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. It's a competition of strength and endurance between two bulls, and no blood is spilled.
The salamander has often been ascribed fantastic and sometimes occult qualities.
The word "frog" in Japanese means "return," which is why the amphibian is considered a Japanese lucky animal and seen as good fortune in regards to things returning.
A fine example of modular origami, the technique of putting a number of identical pieces together to form a complete model.
Modular origami uses two or more sheets of paper to create a larger and more complex structure.
How cute are these little squirrels!
Ideal as a birthday or Christmas decoration.
A bookmark gift for a loved one.
The Japanese refer to the crane as the "bird of happiness."
Origami is the art of paper folding. Originating in China and Japan—but especially associated with the land of the rising sun—this ancient craft transforms a flat square piece of paper into a finished sculpture. These range from simple designs to beautiful and complex ornaments.
Browse the gallery and enter the fold by admiring these extraordinary and delicate works of art.
Discover origami, the ancient art of paper folding
Unlocking creativity one fold at a time
LIFESTYLE Arts and crafts
Origami is the art of paper folding. Originating in China and Japan—but especially associated with the land of the rising sun—this ancient craft transforms a flat square piece of paper into a finished sculpture. These range from simple designs to beautiful and complex ornaments.
Browse the gallery and enter the fold by admiring these extraordinary and delicate works of art.