Workshop brings 'origami' to Jakarta

JAKARTA (JP): Paper is not simply a thing to write on. It is highly useful and provides endless creative possibilities.

Many people prefer to use paper to make decorative arts, not only because it is cheap, but also because it is easy to obtain, simple to work with and requires no special tools.

Although paper was invented in China around A.D. 105 to make lamps and lantern shades, window coverings and other everyday household items, it was in Japan that the use of paper as a creative substance flourished.

The Encyclopedia Americana states that papermaking was first recorded in Japan in the 7th century.

The Japanese develops more refined uses of paper through kirigami (paper-cutting) and origami (paper-folding).

Origami was used for religious purposes, particularly in temples to depict the god Katashiro during purification ceremonies.

After the Heian period (794-1185), origami was put to other uses, including to offer greetings, to make ornaments and to decorate the interiors of homes.

By the end of the Meiji period in Japan, children were taught about kirigami and origami from an early age.

Origami is done without cutting or gluing the paper. There are an estimated 100 traditional origami figures, most of which depict natural forms such as birds, flowers and fish.

There is also an abstract, ceremonial form of origami called noshi, which is the art of making pleated paper ornaments to attach to gifts.

Origami figures are created by making precise folds in a single square sheet of paper. The folds are called valley folds and mountain folds.

Any kind of paper can be used for origami, but the preferred paper is called washi -- brightly colored, handmade paper decorated with typical Japanese patterns.

Washi has also been used for generations in the manufacture of fireworks in Japan because it is considered strong enough to wrap gunpowder in and light enough to burn easily. It has also been used to make plaster casts in hospitals.

Now, origami has become popular around the world, including here in Indonesia, not only as pastime for children but also among adults.

The Japan Foundation is offering those interested the chance to take a further look into the paper-folding art at a three-day workshop from Tuesday Dec. 8 to Thursday Dec. 10.

The workshop starts with a video screening at 12 p.m. followed by sessions to create dolls, jewelry boxes, wall ornaments and useful cases made from washi paper.

The workshop is open to the public and is free of charge. Those interested in attending are required to register at the foundation's office on the second floor of the Summitmas I building on Jl. Jend. Sudirman in Central Jakarta. For further information, call 4201266. (ste)