EST. EDO PERIOD. KYOTO, JAPAN

WELCOME TO HOUSE OF ORIGAMI

The ancient art of transforming a single sheet of paper into sculpture — practised across centuries and
cultures, refined through generations of devoted masters.

Origami comes from the Japanese words ori meaning "folding", and kami meaning "paper." It is the art of paper folding, which is often associated with Japanese culture. In modern usage, the word "origami" is used as an inclusive term for all folding practices, regardless of their culture of origin. The goal is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques. Modern origami practitioners generally discourage the use of cuts, glue, or markings on the paper. Origami folders often use the Japanese word kirigami to refer to designs which use cuts.

Featured Lessons

A masterwork selected for its extraordinary complexity

Featured Lesson image

SPEAR-TAILED DRAGON

This lesson is taught by no other than the head of the Murakami House of Origami.
It contains 5 mini videos on how to complete each step of the process.

The Murakami House has been using ancient techniques that have been handed down within the family since the Endo period.

Lessons:

  1. Making the head and neck
  2. Forming the body
  3. Making the wings (Part 1)
  4. Making the wings (Part 2)
  5. Shaping the tail

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The small number of basic origami folds can be combined in a variety of ways to make intricate designs. The best-known
origami model is the Japanese paper crane. In general, these designs begin with a square sheet of paper whose sides may
be of different colors, prints, or patterns. Traditional Japanese origami, which has been practed since the Edo period
(1603-1867), has often been less strict about these conventions, sometimes cutting the paper of using nonsquare shapes to
start with. The principles of origami are also used in stents, packaging, and other engineering applications.

Masterclass Lessons

Curated works from the world's finest origami artists

fox

Wiley Fox

In Japan, foxes symbolize intellicence associated with the Shinto spirit Inari. This particular origami is challenging to make but produces one of the finest example of the Kitsami Origami style.

9/10 SKILL LEVEL

dog

Regal Bloodhound

Bloodhounds have been part of humankind especially in hunting. In this lesson, we will learn to uses two monochromatic paper colors to produce an simple but effective Tsumisiru effect.

5/10 SKILL LEVEL

owl

Wise Owl

Owls have always been part of lore and it isn't surprising that we also find it very much in origami. This lesson is famous for combining two different pieces into one without glue or adhesive.

7/10 SKILL LEVEL

lion

Resting Lion

The king of the animal world finds its place among important origami creations. This particular example uses curled tips popularized by the famous origami artist, Shintzu Omahari.

8/10 SKILL LEVEL