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Last updated 26/4/2026

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As the evidence stands at present, the appearance of this design in France predates its appearance in Japan.

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In Japan (and in books by Japanese authors)

1931

In 'Origami (Part 1)' by Isao Honda, which was published in Japan in 1931.

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1944

In 'Origami Shuko' by Isao Honda, which was published in 1944.

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1965

There is an illustration of the Fat Sparrow, but no explanation of how to fold it, in ' The World of Origami' by Isao Honda, which was published in the USA by Japan Publications Trading Company in 1965.

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In Europe and the Americas

1929

As far as I know the first appearance of the Fat Sparrow in the West, under the title of 'La Poule Qui Couve' (The Laying Hen), is in the issue of the French children's magazine 'L'Age Heureux' of 2nd January 1930.

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The same design appears:

1931

As 'La Poule Qui Couve' in the issue of 'Le Memorial' for 18th June 1931.

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1932

As 'La poule qui couve' in Booklet 5 of 'Images a Plier', a series of 6 booklets published by Librairie Larousse in Paris in 1932. Note that the commentary says that this is 'another Japanese fold'.

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1937

As 'Duck', in Margaret Campbell's 'Paper Toy Making', which was published by Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons Ltd in London, probably in 1937, although both the Foreword and Preface are dated 1936, which argues that the book was complete at that date.

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