Origami Samurai Warrior Instructions

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Japanese Samurai practiced a unique form of Origami called Ise.

In ancient Japan, where paper was a precious commodity, origami served a ceremonial role. Samurai, who were members of Japan's warrior class, often decorated gifts with folded models called Noshi. In later years, when paper became available to all classes, the Samurai maintained a distinct form of the art called Ise, while the lower classes used the Ogasawara method of folding. It is appropriate, therefore, that origami artists have developed folded models of these warriors who contributed so much to the development and preservation of the art.

Advertisement

Step 1

Place the origami square in front of you, white side up.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Fold the paper in half horizontally. Crease along the fold, then open up the paper.

Step 3

Fold the paper in half vertically. Crease along the fold, then open up the paper. It should look exactly how it did when you started except for two crease lines dividing it into fourths.

Step 4

Fold each corner to the point where the crease lines intersect. The shape should now look like a diamond.

Step 5

Turn the paper over.

Step 6

Fold each corner of the diamond to the point where the crease lines intersect.

Advertisement

Step 7

Turn the paper over.

Step 8

Fold each corner so that they meet in the center of the shape.

Step 9

Turn the model over. You should see four split diamonds meeting in the center of the square.

Advertisement

Step 10

Open one of the diamonds along the center split and squash it flat to make a rectangle.

Step 11

Repeat this step with two other diamonds.

Step 12

Rotate the shape until the remaining diamond is at the top. This is the warrior's head. The flat rectangle at the bottom is the end of his robe. The other two rectangles are the large cuffs of his sleeves on his outstretched hands.

Step 13

Draw a face, helmet, sash and sword on the model to complete the samurai warrior.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

references