Origami

Origami (折り紙), from ori meaning "folding", and kami meaning "paper"; is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, which started in the 17th century and was popularized outside of Japan in the mid-1900s.

The oldest unequivocal document of origami is a short poem composed by Ihara Saikaku in 1680. It reads: Rosei-ga yume-no cho-wa orisue (The butterflies in Rosei's dream would be origami).

For centuries there were no written directions for folding origami models. The directions were taught to each generation and then handed down to the next. Traditional origami has been born and brought up in the cultural exchange between East and West. Both Japanese and European had their origami when Japan closed its border. The origami in two regions were fairly independent. The Meiji Restoration and following exchange between Japan and Europe caused fusion of East and West origami. 

The number of basic origami folds is small, but they can be combined in a variety of ways to make intricate designs. The best known origami model is probably the Japanese paper crane.

Why do people fold paper into little animal shapes? For most, it is because it’s fun and it looks nice. But for others, it is a way to relax; a way to let the day’s tension melt away. More and more now, care providers and researchers have found that folding paper can help those with medical conditions.

The most obvious benefit of origami is for those who have had surgery or injuries of the hands. Origami helps patients regain control over their hand movements and helps build muscles. Patients find doing their “hand exercise” through origami is more rewarding than traditional physical therapy methods.

Model: MD-151 Eye

The clock symbolizes sense, intuition, and wisdom.

I can see the stones
On the bottom fluctuate
Through the clear water

Shiki