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A: Paper used for wrapping objects

According to Tsien Tsuen-Hsuin in 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 5, Part 1: Paper and Printing':

This is sometimes taken as the earliest evidence we have for folded paper being used as wrapping, but the passage clearly allows the interpretation that it could have been used for padding between the mirrors rather than wrapping around them.

However, the same book offers other evidence of paper having been used for wrapping in the 2nd century and thereafter.

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B: Paper umbrellas

Folding paper umbrellas are believed to have been in use in China from the late 4th or early 5th century onwards.

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C: Paper lanterns

According to Tsien Tsuen-Hsuin in 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 5, Part 1: Paper and Printing': '

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D: Paper armour

According to Tsien Tsuen-Hsuin in 'Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 5, Part 1: Paper and Printing': 'pleated paper armour which could not be pierced by arrows' was in use in the late Tang dynasty (618 to 907).

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E: Letterfolds

Information about his topic will be added in due course

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F: Multiple Layer Collapsible Boxes / Zhen Xian Bao

As the name suggests, Multiple Layer Collapsible Boxes are made from multiple layers of collapsible boxes, of various kinds, each successive layer being made of smaller boxes than the one below. The layers are generally glued together. In the finished design each of the collapsible boxes can be opened independently. The top layer of boxes are sometimes of a more complex, decorative design, usually either Twist Boxes or Chrysanthemum Boxes.

As far as I am aware the only surviving example of an old Zhen Xian Bao that can be dated with any degree of accuracy is an example acquired from France in 2015 by Joan Sallas for the collection of the Padore library. A letter accompanying the Zhen Xian Bao states that it was made in Paris by Laurent Sui as a gift for Madame Burgot. The letter is dated 28th August 1866.

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G: Folded Paper Yuan Bao / Sycee

The book 'Xu Zhe zhi tu shuo' (More Illustrated Paperfolding) by Yongxiang Shi, which was published by the Commercial Press in Shanghai in 1917, includes five different methods for folding Yuan Bao (also known as Sycee) from paper. These are representations of gold or silver ingots, and are folded in order to be burned as part of the ceremony of Chinese funerals.

Although it is sometimes stated that the folding of such paper Yuan Bao is a much older practice, I am not currently aware of any evidence to substantiate this.

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