What is the definition of origami?

[TheRealChris]

oh my god... this will start another crusade

[Tavin]

@Chris let's try to avoid this.

@silvestr:
there are several definitions around. But mostly cutting and tearing is often ascribed it's own field called "Kirigami" while the rest is called "pure" Origami. The bottom line is that it really depends who you're talking with.

[Brimstone]

Out with the troll

[Jonnycakes]

From dictionary.com: the traditional Japanese art or technique of folding paper into a variety of decorative or representational forms, as of animals or flowers.

There is ambiguity as to if and how much cutting and tearing is allowed in origami. Cutting, gluing, material choice (sometimes people fold materials other than paper) are all up in the air. The only common factor in all definitions is folding.

Traditionally, origami has included folded figures with some minimal cutting, and many people currently agree that a minimal amount of cutting, gluing, etc. is okay before a folded work is declassified as origami. The reasoning behind this is that while cuts fall decidedly out of the realm of folding paper, origami techniques were used primarily to realize the finished artwork.

Conversely, some strict origami purists hold that any amount of cutting causes a folded paper work to no longer be considered origami. Since the work was created not entirely by folding, some reason that it must be classified instead as kirigami or papercraft.

There is no formal deciding statement on the matter to my knowledge. It is really about which definition or set of standards works best for you.

[Blackblade_shinobi]

Just folding works for me, what fun is in cutting and gluing?

[tryingtofoldsumthing]

In my opinion origami is the folding of a piece of paper; water and glue is ok, but cutting or tearing is not!

[the modern einstein]

In my opinion origami is the folding of a piece of paper; water and glue is ok, but cutting or tearing is not!

But with some origami you do not fold the paper, but sculpt it. I'm trying to remember the name of origamist who sculpts his paper into these incredible shapes, not cutting, nor folding or gluing it, so I can give you an example

[polistes]

giang dinh? probs murdered the spelling but oh well

[easysid]

paper art form that uses folding as primary method. Its by Robert Lang IIRC, and quite a wide definition.