| The Public Paperfolding History Project
Last updated 12/1/2025 x |
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| Folded Paper Lover's Knots | |||||||
| This
page is being used to collect information about the
history of folded paper Lover's Knots. Please contact me
if you know any of this information is incorrect or if
you have any other information that should be added.
Thank you. ********** 1841 There is reference to a 'true-lover's knot' folded from paper in 'Memoirs of Extra-Ordinary Popular Delusions' by Charles Mackay, published by Richard Bentley in London in 1841.
Unfortunately, it is not clear from these passages how the true lover's knot in question was to be folded. ********** The Love Knot Letterfold - 1891 onwards
********** 1894 A design for a complex form of the modern Lover's Knot, appears on page 731 of issue 814 of the 'Boys Own Paper', published on Aug 18th 1894, under the title 'How to Fold a Chinese Love-Letter'. Information from Michel Grand. The result of following these instructions is a many layered square, with a smaller square at the centre, on either side of which are two triangular flaps (marked A figure 8 above). The address - presumably the lover's name - is to be written in the central square. The instructions say that the letter is opened by pulling the flaps marked A outwards. This does begin to release the layers of the design but it is still somewhat difficult to unfold completely.
********** The Lover's Knot - 1934 / 5 onwards
********** 1952 Gershon Legman's design 'The Lotus' was published in 'The Phoenix' issue 251 of March 21st 1952. Information from Edwin Corrie. This design is a version of the Lover's Knot (but folded from a blintzed square) which can be opened up by pulling on the top and bottom points. Compare entry for 1894.
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