Workshop brings 'origami' to Jakarta<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Paper is not simply a thing to write on. It is
\nhighly useful and provides endless creative possibilities.<\/p>\n
Many people prefer to use paper to make decorative arts, not
\nonly because it is cheap, but also because it is easy to obtain,
\nsimple to work with and requires no special tools.<\/p>\n
Although paper was invented in China around A.D. 105 to make
\nlamps and lantern shades, window coverings and other everyday
\nhousehold items, it was in Japan that the use of paper as a
\ncreative substance flourished.<\/p>\n
The Encyclopedia Americana states that papermaking was first
\nrecorded in Japan in the 7th century.<\/p>\n
The Japanese develops more refined uses of paper through
\nkirigami (paper-cutting) and origami (paper-folding).<\/p>\n
Origami was used for religious purposes, particularly in
\ntemples to depict the god Katashiro during purification
\nceremonies.<\/p>\n
After the Heian period (794-1185), origami was put to other
\nuses, including to offer greetings, to make ornaments and to
\ndecorate the interiors of homes.<\/p>\n
By the end of the Meiji period in Japan, children were taught
\nabout kirigami and origami from an early age.<\/p>\n
Origami is done without cutting or gluing the paper. There are
\nan estimated 100 traditional origami figures, most of which
\ndepict natural forms such as birds, flowers and fish.<\/p>\n
There is also an abstract, ceremonial form of origami called
\nnoshi, which is the art of making pleated paper ornaments to
\nattach to gifts.<\/p>\n
Origami figures are created by making precise folds in a
\nsingle square sheet of paper. The folds are called valley folds
\nand mountain folds.<\/p>\n
Any kind of paper can be used for origami, but the preferred
\npaper is called washi -- brightly colored, handmade paper
\ndecorated with typical Japanese patterns.<\/p>\n
Washi has also been used for generations in the manufacture of
\nfireworks in Japan because it is considered strong enough to wrap
\ngunpowder in and light enough to burn easily. It has also been
\nused to make plaster casts in hospitals.<\/p>\n
Now, origami has become popular around the world, including
\nhere in Indonesia, not only as pastime for children but also
\namong adults.<\/p>\n
The Japan Foundation is offering those interested the chance
\nto take a further look into the paper-folding art at a three-day
\nworkshop from Tuesday Dec. 8 to Thursday Dec. 10.<\/p>\n
The workshop starts with a video screening at 12 p.m. followed
\nby sessions to create dolls, jewelry boxes, wall ornaments and
\nuseful cases made from washi paper.<\/p>\n
The workshop is open to the public and is free of charge.
\nThose interested in attending are required to register at the
\nfoundation's office on the second floor of the Summitmas I
\nbuilding on Jl. Jend. Sudirman in Central Jakarta. For further
\ninformation, call 4201266. (ste)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/workshop-brings-origami-to-jakarta-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}