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Last updated 23/2/2024

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Modern Origami by James Minoru Sakoda, 1969
 
'Modern Origami' by James Minoru Sakoda was published by Simon and Schuster in New York in 1969. It is primarily a book of original designs by the author but also contains a good deal of introductory material, much of which is of some historical interest.

A full copy of the work can be accessed online here.

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Introductory Material

The book contains some biographical information about the author:

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The book also contains a section about paperfolding history:

I have not, at present, been able to locate the reference to the 'Korean boat' in Honda (although it is usually an alternative term for the Takarabune) or the references from 1682 and 1856 to which Sakoda refers.

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There is also an excellent summary of the current state of origami ethics:

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As well as a summary of the author's own creative ethics:

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And mention of Sakoda's discovery of the technique we now call wetfolding:

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Sakoda also explains that his design technique is process rather than result focussed:

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I do not think it is unfair to say that, while Sakoda's highly stylised design style was highly original, it has had little, if any, influence on the subsequent development of mainstream recreational paperfolding.

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Analysis

I have only included those few designs which are, or relate to, traditional designs in this analysis. The remainder of the designs in the book are Sakoda's own original designs in his unique style. Details of these can be found by consulting the original book.

The SST Origami Airplane

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How to Fold a Box - The Magazine Cover Box

The author's variations on the Weaver's Shuttle Box found in Marie Gilbert Martin's 'Pasteless Construction with Paper'. The author does not appear to be aware that this was not Marie Gilbert Martin's original design.

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The Modified Chinese Junk - The Chinese Junk

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The Charcoal Brazier - The Hibachi

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The Sitting Crane - The Paper Crane

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