What is the name of the Japanese art of paper-folding

This intricate art form gets its name from the Japanese words "ori," which means "to fold," and "kami," which means "paper." While paper was invented in China, it was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks around the sixth century. Because paper was once a rare and expensive commodity, the practice of folding it was initially reserved for religious ceremonies and formal occasions, enjoyed only by the privileged class. Before the art was widely known by its current name, which was coined in the 1880s, it was often referred to as "orikata," meaning "folded shapes."

During Japan's Edo period, from 1603 to 1868, paper production increased and became more affordable, allowing the art of paper-folding to become a popular recreational activity for a much wider audience. This led to the development of many new designs and the use of paper-folding for things like decorative gift wrappers and envelopes. While early forms sometimes included cutting, modern origami masters often emphasize the use of a single sheet of paper with no cuts or glue.

Many folded paper figures carry deep symbolic meaning within Japanese culture. The crane is perhaps the most iconic example, representing longevity and peace. According to tradition, folding one thousand paper cranes is believed to grant a wish. This belief became a powerful international symbol of hope and healing through the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl affected by the atomic bomb in Hiroshima.

Today, the art has evolved into many different styles, from simple action models that move to complex modular creations made of many identical folded units. The principles of these intricate folds have even influenced fields far beyond art, inspiring designs in architecture, engineering, and technology.