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ORIGAMI

Origami means "Paper folding" (ori= folding, gami=paper). Origami, the art of paper folding is a traditional craft in Japan which has been practiced for centures. Origami has become increasingly popular throughout the world.

Paperfolders like to share their craft with other people. They are always seeking folding designs, some are centuries old, some new and sometime they create their own, these are identified by designer's name much like painters and sculptors are associated with their art.

Origami can be used in countless ways which makes it understandable why it has gained such popularity. Some of the uses for Origami are: greeting cards, ornaments, party decorations and favors, jewelry, gifts, puppets. Origami can be given away, displayed and is also collected.
One of the most famous Origami designs is the International Peace Crane which represents hope for peace all over the world. The crane is a bird that may live as long as a thousand years. For this reason in Japan and other Asian countries,the crane is the symbol of long life and peace.. The paper crane became a symbol throughout the world when the story of Sadako Sasaki became known.
Sadako Sasaki died at the age of 12, from a radiation disease caused by the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. She tried to fold a thousand cranes in the age old belief that she would bring world peace if she could accomplish this task. Sadly, she could only complete 644, but she inspired millions of children all over the world to send paper cranes to Hiroshima to express their own hope of peace. Today in Hiroshima there is a statue of Sadako Sasaki holding an origami crane. The statue is decorated with paper cranes sent in by children from all over the world.

For more information on Origami, or groups of paperfolders that meet in your area, contact:

Friends of the Origami Center, 620
15 West 77th Street
New York, NY 10024

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Secrets of Origami : The Japanese Art of Paper Folding
by Robert Harbin, Kingsley Mitchell (Photographer)

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Advanced Origami: More than 60 Fascinating
and Challenging Projects for the Serious Folder
by Didier Boursin

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