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Roses, Origami & Math

By Toshikazu Kawasaki

Published: 2005 by Japan Publications
Pages: 178
Binding: Hardcover
Language: English
ISBN: 4889961844

Buy from: Amazon.com

Skill Level : From simple to complex
Clear diagrams? Yes
Tinted diagrams (to show 2 sides of paper)? Yes
Photos of completed models? Only for some of the models
Is there indication to the model size resulting
from size of starting paper? 		No
Are the models "Pure" origami (From square - no cuts)? Some are from rectangles
Overall Impression

This is the long-awaited English translation of Kawasaki's 1998 book in Japanese.
The lion's share of this book is dedicated to the the folding of simple units and the possibilities of constructions that can be made of them, may they be flowers, buildings, or intricate geometric shapes.
If you follow the instructions closely, you will be quite intimate with these units, as the text includes many puzzles that help you get to know their anatomy better.
A very nice feature is the "Mass production" sections, which show you how to quickly obtain many pre-folded units from large sheets of paper. These units are also taught in the book Origami Dream World but here they are used for more constructions.

The second part (after a coffee break, that teaches how to fold a coffee bean!) is
dedicated to Kawasaki's famous twist-fold, with instructions for two of his roses,
and also diagrams for two variations of leaves.

The third part is theoretical, and deals with several theorems connected to origami, that might help in figuring out crease patterns, as well as a thorough examination of the math embedded in the traditional origami crane. However, the somewhat clunky English translation, together with my un-mathematical mind, got in my way of fully enjoying this section.

The Models
Model Notes Photo (Click for a larger image)

Part I - Modules

Chapter 1 Modules and Houses

1.1 Modules The basic modules for most of the models in the book. Each module is made of 4 squares.
1.2 Blossoms Several types of blossoms, made out of many units.
Folded by Ondrej and Radim Cibulka
1.3 Pile construction Connectors for the modules
1.4 J side assembly Some more connectors
1.5 Small house Roofs and some house constructions
1.6 Lids and nail
1.7 Cross house Some more houses
Tree From 2 squares. Also published in Origami Dream World

Folded by Ondrej and Radim Cibulka
1.8 Large house More buildings
1.9 Small church
1.10 Greek shrine A variation of the basic units, creating octagonal pillars

Chapter 2 Geometrical Form

2.1 Twist construction Using the units from the previous chapter to create complex geometrical constructions
2.2 Hexagonal construction
Coffee bean From a rectangle. Nice

Part II - Rose

Rose bud My favorite of Kawasaki's roses
On the right
Rose With a diagonal grid - Also diagrammed in Origami Dream World - Flowers and Animals
Four leaves Nice
Rose leaves Also diagrammed in Origami Dream World - Flowers and Animals
Pyramid From a rectangle