Divine Origami
"Even a sheet of paper has two sides," goes a Japanese proverb, which epitomises the strength in the delicateness of paper. It goes beyond to recognise the source, the nature - trees the paper comes from.
Paper takes shapes and forms by intricate movement of hand - from cranes, pianos, lilies, to a jumping frog. The time-honoured Japanese art of origami goes beyond making intricate and delicate designs.
Ishige grew up learning the art from her grandparents and parents in Tokyo.
Origami, derived from ori - to fold, and kami - paper, Ishige explains, is a very meticulous process with key emphasis on cleanliness and precision, creating a perfect contour for the design.
These traits, she adds, are a reflection of the way things are traditionally done in Japan. The intricacies of the tea ceremony to preparation of sushi emanate precision, an eye for detail, perfection and above all creativity.
Growing up, most of us remember flying paper planes, making paper boats and letting them float in streams of water that were made by pelting rains, the simplicity and the joy of life origami takes it a step further - it is used as a tool for intellectual growth in children.
"In Japan," Kaori Saito, cultural officer at the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica, says, "Origami plays a very crucial role."
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| Origami balloon |
"Not only [does] it help children to express creativity, but [it] also assists them in developing motor skills, connecting the brain waves to the delicate hand movements," she said.
This art form is passed from generations and also taught at schools in Japan. A square paper is used to make an origami, informs Ishige, which is then folded - neatly, precisely and edge to edge - to create various shapes and forms.
This art form is passed from generations and also taught at schools in Japan. A square paper is used to make an origami, informs Ishige, which is then folded - neatly, precisely and edge to edge - to create various shapes and forms.
"This (origami) is a part of life," Ishige says, "we learn it as an art and also have a lot of fun."
A square, soft paper is used for this art form; first the table or the surface one is working on has to be cleaned, the paper neatly laid out and taken one at a time to create a design.
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| Assortment of Chiyogami paper |
Origami paper comes in monochrome (one colour), different colours, and to give a special touch, 'Chiyogami' - a paper with a flowered pattern, is also used.
This art form is all about creating symmetrical patterns, but the forms are not restricted. "It all depends on how creative you are," says Ishige. Most designs that are made are usually passed down in the family.
The crane, which is the national bird of Japan and also a symbol of peace, is one of the most commonly made origamis. A jumping frog, little boxes, crow and fox are some of the other origami designs.
Lifelong learning process
Origami is borne from those deep-rooted traditions, an ever-evolving array of delicate sculptures that are conversational pieces, connect people, and is a medium to impart life's lessons across age groups.
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| Sembazuru adrons Embassy of Japan in Kingston |
Origami crane is offered for good luck, speedy recovery from ailment, and happiness. "Sembazuru (1,000 cranes) is a sacred and traditional offering that is made to wish people good luck," informs Saito.
"During World War II," she added, "Wives would make Sembazuru waiting on their husbands' safe return."
A symbol of peace, Sembazuru are placed at monuments, in remembrance of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
This tradition, like numerous others, has transcended time and geographical boundaries. A Sembazuru adorns the lounge at the Embassy of Japan in Kingston, an offering made by Jamaican students to the people of Japan in 2011, wishing them speedy recovery in the aftermath of the earthquake and Tsunami that struck the country last year.
A symbol of peace, Sembazuru are placed at monuments, in remembrance of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
This tradition, like numerous others, has transcended time and geographical boundaries. A Sembazuru adorns the lounge at the Embassy of Japan in Kingston, an offering made by Jamaican students to the people of Japan in 2011, wishing them speedy recovery in the aftermath of the earthquake and Tsunami that struck the country last year.
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| Yasuko Ishige (left) and Kaori Saito making origami |
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This art of folding paper to make designs is also a tool for socialising and a pastime. "The elderly will sit down, talk, have snacks and do origami," Saito informs.
Origami, Ishige says, is a lifelong learning process; one that creates, recreates and evolves designs, all involving the key traits of precision and symmetry.
Origami, Ishige says, is a lifelong learning process; one that creates, recreates and evolves designs, all involving the key traits of precision and symmetry.
The folds which are made act as markers and if the paper is wrongly folded, the desired design cannot be created, one has to start with a new paper.
But, Saito and Ishige say the paper is kept aside and reused. "We don't throw things away in Japan," says Ishige.
"Paper is a very important material for us, and we treat it respectfully," says Saito.
In Japan, umbrellas and handheld fans are made of paper. In traditional houses, paper is used as a substitute to glass in window and door frames, giving character and subtleness to the facade.
Origami is borne from those deep-rooted traditions, an ever-evolving array of delicate sculptures that are conversational pieces, connect people, and is a medium to impart life's lessons across age groups.
amitabh.sharma@hotmail.com
Published March 10, 2013 - The Sunday Gleaner
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