Use of Glue in Origami

Since the time of Robert Harbin’s famous book “Paper-folding” that laid down certain rules with regard to the craft of origami, there has been a lot of debate on whether paper should be cut or uncut, glued or not. According to Harbin, “Paper-folding is the art of folding a piece of paper so that it takes on a desired shape, to be known as a model.' The rules laid down by him for this ancient craft are as follows:

(1) The origami paper model must be achieved by folding only, without the use of scissors or glue.
(2) The shape of the origami model should be recognizable even without special markings.
(3) The origami model should be such that it can be of folded flat after it has been displayed.

A number of people have raised questions on this issue related to the use of glue and cuts while making origami models. Dorothy Engleman asks, "But why is a dab of glue considered intrusive and impure but not wet-folding, which dramatically alters the internal and external structure of a sheet of paper?”

It actually depends on how “pure” one wants origami to be. The degree of purity is a subjective issue as both water and glue can be intrusive. Both can change the mechanical stability or the structure of the model. However, there are degrees of gluing in origami. The rule was originally conceived with a vision to make a model that was no more than a structure made of paper. But the application of a dab of glue is used to prevent a model from falling or springing apart.

Breaking Norms

It has been acknowledged by the British Origami Society that it is permissible to use a little glue on exhibition models that are on display for some time and subject to the ravages of heat, damp and paper fatigue.

In modern times, people are experimenting with a diverse range of materials and techniques for making origami models. Origami is not limited to traditional shapes anymore. Origami enthusiasts are using their imagination to create abstract art forms that require breaking certain norms to achieve the desired model or shape. It is up to us to decide whether we want origami with a set of rules or not. It lies with the paper folder who likes his craft to decide how to shape up it up. Creativity is ultimately about complete freedom of expression, and origami is no different.

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