Akira Yoshizawa: Japan's Greatest Origami Master

Introduction by Dr Robert J Lang & Kiyo Yoshizawa

Master origami artist Akira Yoshizawa was a true innovator who played a seminal role in the rebirth of origami in the modern world. He served as a bridge between past and present—between the ancient traditional craft and the development of origami as a modern practice—in terms of inventing new techniques and in preserving the traditional Japanese forms. In fact, the notational system of diagrams widely used today to indicate how models are folded was largely invented by him. Above all, Yoshizawa was responsible for elevating origami to the status of an art form.

This beautiful book is the fi rst comprehensive survey of the extraordinary work of Akira Yoshizawa. In addition to 60 models from his private collection, it features over 1,000 original drawings by the artist, and English translations of his writings in Japanese on origami, all of which are published here for the very first time.

Projects include:

• Children’s Day Pinwheel,

• Butterflies of Every Kind

• Carp Banner and Helmet

• Fairy Tale Crowns and Caps

• The Lion Mask

• Tengu Masks

• and more!