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Guide to Complex Origami
Guide to Complex Origami
(500–1000 words)
Complex origami is an advanced branch of the Japanese art of paper folding, characterized by intricate designs that push the boundaries of creativity, precision, and mathematical understanding. Unlike traditional origami, which often focuses on simple, recognizable shapes like cranes or boats, complex origami involves numerous folds, detailed sculpting, and sometimes hours or days of work to create lifelike or fantastical figures, such as detailed dragons, insects, or multi-component structures. This guide explores the techniques, tools, history, notable figures, and resources for mastering complex origami, along with recommended YouTube tutorials and origami clubs.
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10 Videos
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Understanding Complex OrigamiComplex origami typically involves designs with dozens or even hundreds of steps, requiring a deep understanding of folding techniques, crease patterns, and paper properties. These models often aim to replicate intricate subjects like animals, mythical creatures, or geometric forms with high realism. Key characteristics include:
- High Fold Count: Designs may require 50–300+ steps, demanding patience and precision.
- Advanced Techniques: Techniques like wet-folding, box pleating, and sink folds are common.
- Mathematical Precision: Many complex designs rely on geometric principles and computational tools.
- Specialized Paper: Thin, strong papers like tissue foil or washi are used to handle intricate folds.
- Master the Basics: Before tackling complex models, ensure proficiency in fundamental folds (valley, mountain, pleat, crimp) and bases (bird, waterbomb, fish). Books like Origami Design Secrets by Robert Lang can help.
- Choose the Right Paper: Use large, thin, durable paper (e.g., 20–50 cm square tissue foil or kami) to accommodate detailed folds without tearing. Avoid standard printer paper, as it’s too thick and brittle.
- Learn Crease Patterns: Many complex designs are presented as crease patterns—diagrams showing all folds at once. Practice collapsing these into shapes using references like Robert Lang’s website (langorigami.com).
- Practice Wet-Folding: This technique, pioneered by Akira Yoshizawa, involves dampening paper to create smooth, organic shapes. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist paper before folding.
- Use Tools: Bone folders, tweezers, and rulers aid precision. For crease patterns, software like Origami Simulator can visualize folds.
- Study Diagrams and Videos: Complex origami often requires following detailed diagrams or video tutorials. Practice with intermediate models before advancing.
- Patience and Practice: Complex models like Satoshi Kamiya’s Ryujin can take days. Break the process into sessions and focus on accuracy.
- 1600–1700: Origami in Japan, known as orikata, was primarily ceremonial, used in rituals and gift-giving (e.g., noshi). Paper was expensive, limiting complex designs to the elite. In Europe, napkin folding flourished, laying groundwork for later folding techniques.
- 1700–1800: By the late Edo period, origami became more recreational as paper became affordable. Early complex forms, like imitations of the six Japanese poets (rokkasen), emerged but were rare.
- 1800–1900: In Europe, Friedrich Fröbel’s kindergarten system introduced paper folding to teach geometry, influencing Japanese origami when adopted in schools around 1880. The term “origami” replaced orikata in Japan.
- 1900–2000: The 20th century marked a revolution in complex origami. Akira Yoshizawa’s wet-folding and diagramming system (1950s) enabled more lifelike models. The 1980s saw a mathematical turn, with folders like Robert Lang and Satoshi Kamiya using geometry and computers to design intricate models like dragons and insects.
- 2000–Present: Computational origami, led by figures like Lang and Erik Demaine, has pushed complexity further, with algorithms designing models like Kamiya’s Ryujin 3.5, a dragon with 275 steps. Tessellations and super-complex origami have gained popularity, showcased in exhibitions and online platforms.
- Akira Yoshizawa (1911–2005, Japan): Father of modern origami; pioneered wet-folding and the Yoshizawa-Randlett diagramming system, enabling complex designs.
- Satoshi Kamiya (b. 1981, Japan): Known for super-complex models like Ryujin 3.5 and Pegasus, requiring hundreds of steps.
- Robert Lang (b. 1961, USA): Physicist and origami master; uses mathematics and software for intricate designs like insects and Pteranodon.
- Eric Joisel (1956–2010, France): Created figurative, sculptural origami, including detailed human and animal figures.
- Brian Chan (b. 1980, USA): MIT instructor; designs complex models like insects and fantasy figures, inspired by Lang.
- Sipho Mabona (b. 1980, Switzerland/South Africa): Known for lifelike models like his rhinoceros, often using wet-folding.
- Miyuki Kawamura (b. 1970, Japan): Specializes in intricate designs; began folding at age two.
- Mitsugu Ohtani (Japan): Created complex models like the Cheergirl, using curved folds for detail.
- Issei Yoshino (Japan): Known for the Tyrannosaurus, a complex model using tissue paper and multiple steps.
- Kosho Uchiyama (Japan): Buddhist priest and origami master; published early instructional books like Origami Zukan (1958).
Five YouTube Videos on Complex Origami
- Origami Dragon (Satoshi Kamiya) Tutorial – A detailed guide to folding Kamiya’s Ryujin, a super-complex dragon. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmT5eP-k1P8)
- Origami Scorpion (Robert Lang) Tutorial – Step-by-step instructions for Lang’s intricate scorpion design. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea7fP5aW8d0)
- Complex Origami Phoenix Tutorial – A guide to folding a detailed phoenix, showcasing advanced techniques. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N8hM-ws4I4)
- Origami Wasp (Satoshi Kamiya) Tutorial – Demonstrates folding Kamiya’s Wasp 2.6, a complex model with fine details. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yJ0aJGUaKM)
- Advanced Origami Tutorial: Insect Design – Covers a complex insect model, focusing on box pleating. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h5fN5eU6gQ)
- Japan Origami Academic Society (JOAS, Japan)
- Website: https://www.origami.gr.jp
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/japanorigami
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joas_origami
- British Origami Society (UK)
- Website: https://www.britishorigami.org
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BritishOrigami
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britishorigamisociety
- OrigamiUSA (USA)
- Website: https://www.origamiusa.org
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/OrigamiUSA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/origamiusa
- Centro Diffusione Origami (CDO, Italy, Europe)
- Website: https://www.origami-cdo.it
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/CDO_Origami
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centrodiffusioneorigami
- Origami Deutschland (Germany, Europe)
- Website: https://www.origami-deutschland.de
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/OrigamiDE
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/origamideutschland
- Join a Club: Clubs like OrigamiUSA offer conventions, workshops, and communities to learn complex techniques.
- Study Crease Patterns: Practice collapsing patterns from books like Kamiya’s Works of Satoshi Kamiya.
- Experiment with Paper: Try tissue foil or unryu for better results in complex models.
- Attend Conventions: Events hosted by JOAS or OrigamiUSA feature workshops by masters like Lang or Kamiya.
- Be Patient: Complex origami rewards perseverance. Start with intermediate models and gradually tackle super-complex designs.
Paul (Poison Fish) Manjyu Woodman
