Origami

Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper to create shapes, figures, and decorative objects without cutting or gluing the sheet in its traditional form. The word comes from the Japanese terms "ori" (folding) and "kami" (paper).

Although Japan is strongly associated with origami today, paper folding practices have also appeared in other cultures, especially after paper became more widely available. Over time, Japanese origami developed into a refined art form based on careful folds, geometric principles, and creative imagination.

Some models represent animals, plants, everyday objects, or abstract forms. Origami is not only a craft activity; it is also used in education, mathematics, and scientific research. Folding paper helps develop concentration, patience, and spatial understanding because each crease changes the structure of the sheet.

Artists and mathematicians study origami techniques to explore ideas related to geometry and engineering, including the design of foldable structures. Modern applications inspired by origami include solar panels that unfold in space, medical devices, and compact technologies that need to open from a small folded shape.