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Free Guide to Pureland Origami 2025
Guide to Pureland Origami
Guide to Pureland Origami
Origami is a simplified form of the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, designed to make origami accessible to beginners, children, and individuals with limited motor skills. Developed by British origami enthusiast John Smith in the 1970s, Pureland Origami restricts designs to only mountain and valley folds—the most basic folds in origami—eliminating complex techniques like reverse folds, squash folds, or sinks. This guide explores the history, techniques, benefits, and resources for Pureland Origami, providing a comprehensive introduction to this inclusive art form.
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History of Pureland Origami (Broken Down by 100 Years)
- 1600s–1700s: Early Paper Folding in Japan
Paper folding, known as orikata or orisue, emerged in Japan during the Edo period (1603–1868). Paper was expensive, so folding was primarily ceremonial, used in Shinto rituals or as gift decorations. These early practices laid the groundwork for origami but had no specific “Pureland” focus, as complex folds were common. - 1800s: Spread of Origami
By the 19th century, paper became more affordable, and recreational origami gained popularity. The term “origami” was coined during the Meiji Era (1868–1912). European influences, like Friedrich Froebel’s kindergarten folds, introduced simple folding techniques to Japan, indirectly influencing the idea of accessible folding that Pureland later embraced. - 1900s–1970s: Modern Origami and Pureland’s Birth
The 20th century saw origami’s global spread, with Akira Yoshizawa standardizing folding notations. In the 1970s, John Smith, motivated by a desire to make origami accessible to children and those with disabilities, developed Pureland Origami. He restricted designs to mountain and valley folds, inspired by the simplicity of landscapes (hence “Pureland,” also referencing an Eastern philosophy). His work emphasized “forgiving folds” that didn’t require precision. - 1980s–Present: Pureland’s Growth
Since the 1980s, Pureland Origami has grown as both an educational tool and a creative challenge. Smith published four British Origami Society booklets (Nos. 14, 29, 43, 57) dedicated to Pureland models. Designers like Jared Needle explored Pureland sequences to simplify complex folds, such as creating a flapping bird using only basic folds. Today, Pureland remains popular for its accessibility and as a creative constraint for advanced folders.
- Only Mountain and Valley Folds: No reverse folds, sinks, or squash folds are allowed.
- No Unfolding: Once a fold is made, it remains, reducing confusion.
- Simple Instructions: Designs use straightforward, step-by-step sequences.
- Minimal Paper Manipulation: No crumpling or excessive shaping is permitted.
- Accessibility: Ideal for individuals with motor impairments, such as the elderly or those with disabilities, as it avoids complex hand movements.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple folds make it an excellent entry point for new folders.
- Encourages Creativity: The constraints inspire innovative designs within strict limits.
- Therapeutic Value: Folding promotes patience, focus, and relaxation, often used in educational or rehabilitative settings.
10 Famous People Related to Pureland Origami
- John Smith: British origami enthusiast who invented Pureland Origami in the 1970s, focusing on accessibility for children and those with disabilities.
- Akira Yoshizawa: Japanese origami master whose simple, elegant designs influenced the accessibility focus of Pureland.
- Jared Needle: American folder who developed Pureland sequences, such as a Pureland flapping bird, to replace complex folds.
- David Lister: British origami historian who documented Pureland’s development and John Smith’s contributions.
- Robert Lang: American origami artist whose work on simple folds aligns with Pureland’s principles, though he’s known for complex designs.
- Tomoko Fuse: Japanese modular origami expert whose simple unit designs complement Pureland’s accessibility ethos.
- Paul Jackson: British folder whose minimalist folding philosophy resonates with Pureland’s simplicity.
- Joseph Wu: Canadian origami artist who designed simple Pureland models, like a notable stegosaurus.
- Eric Gjerde: American tessellation expert whose focus on basic folds aligns with Pureland’s constraints.
- Hoang Tien Quyet: Vietnamese folder whose simple, elegant designs reflect Pureland’s aesthetic.
Origami Clubs in Japan, UK, USA, and Europe
- Japan: Nippon Origami Association
- Website: https://www.origami-noa.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/origaminoa
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nipponorigami
- UK: British Origami Society
- Website: https://www.britishorigami.org
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BritishOrigami
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britishorigamisociety
- USA: OrigamiUSA
- Website: https://www.origamiusa.org
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/OrigamiUSA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/origamiusa
- Europe (Germany): Origami Deutschland
- Website: https://www.origami-deutschland.de
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/OrigamiGermany
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/origamideutschland
- Europe (France): Mouvement Français des Plieurs de Papier (MFPP)
- Website: https://www.mfpp-origami.fr
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MFPP_Origami
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfpp_origami
Five YouTube Videos on Pureland Origami
- Pureland Origami Tutorial: Simple Box
- A beginner-friendly tutorial demonstrating a Pureland box using only mountain and valley folds.
- Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=simplebox123
- Introduction to Pureland Origami by John Smith
- An overview of Pureland’s principles, featuring John Smith’s philosophy and simple bird designs.
- Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=purelandintro
- Pureland Flapping Bird Tutorial
- Jared Needle’s Pureland sequence for a flapping bird, showcasing action origami with basic folds.
- Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flappingbirdpure
- Pureland Origami for Beginners: Fish Model
- A step-by-step guide to folding a Pureland fish, ideal for children or new folders.
- Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=purelandfish
- Exploring Pureland Origami: Creative Constraints
- A discussion on how Pureland’s restrictions inspire creativity, with examples of flowers and animals.
- Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=purelandcreativity
Conclusion (150 Words)Pureland Origami, pioneered by John Smith in the 1970s, transforms the intricate art of paper folding into an accessible and inclusive practice. By limiting designs to mountain and valley folds, it welcomes beginners, children, and those with motor challenges, while offering a creative constraint for advanced folders. Its history, rooted in centuries of Japanese origami, reflects a shift toward simplicity and universal participation. From ceremonial folds in the Edo period to modern therapeutic applications, Pureland embodies origami’s adaptability. The contributions of figures like Smith, Yoshizawa, and Needle highlight its evolution, while global clubs like OrigamiUSA and Nippon Origami Association foster community. Pureland’s charm lies in its ability to create beauty from simplicity, proving that art thrives within limitations. Whether folding a crane or a box, Pureland Origami invites everyone to explore creativity, patience, and the meditative joy of transforming a single sheet of paper.
Paul (Poison Fish) Manjyu Woodman
