About This Quiz
China originally developed origami when paper was developed. However, when paper was brought to Japan by monks in the sixth century, it is believed it was then that origami truly flourished. The art of paper folding wasn't initially something for the masses. Due to the scarcity and expense of paper, creating origami was restricted to ceremonial occasions. As paper became easier to obtain, origami was taught to children because the art requires 'following precise directions.' Adults also enjoyed this methodical leisure activity. And not just Japanese adults, but those from other Asian countries and Europe as well. In fact, Europe has a paper folding tradition that dates back to the 12th century or earlier, when the Moors brought this mathematically-based folding to Spain. Â
In Japanese, the meaning of origami is derived from two words, oru (to fold) and kami (paper). Learning how to create different animals and objects was passed down orally from one generation to the next. Today, origami is so popular, we have numerous children and adult "how-to" books, plus a dozen or so national origami associations throughout the world. Origami USA sponsors a yearly convention in New York that is said to be the largest in the world! Now it's your turn to try your hand at identifying these animal shapes. Enjoy yourself! We promise there won't be a paper trail of your quiz results.Â
In Japan, the crane is one of the mystical creatures and symbolizes good fortune and longevity because of its fabled lifespan of 1,000 years.
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What a cool bat, with it's wings spread out. The difficulty level is medium on this, but it's worth a little work to create it. Remember to use black or brown paper for more impact.
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The level of difficulty is easy. So make this one of the first origami animals you try to create. Then hang several of them by a window and it will make you smile.
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Unless you know that a Boston Terrier has a boxy head, this might be hard to recognize. If you saw its full body and bobbed tail it might be easier to recognize.
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The difficulty level of this bunny is medium. It's worth learning. If there is a toddler and an airplane flight or restaurant meal, it will keep the child preoccupied for a while.
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This butterfly has beautifully shaped wings and the difficulty level is easy to medium. Go ahead, try your hand at it!
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This is another butterfly, but you can see how your choice of paper can make the butterfly look more realistic.
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The difficulty level for this one is easy. You'll need some artistry work to ensure it looks like a cat. It's fun to make the eyes crossed for a laugh.
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If you want to impress people with your origami skill, a full body cat will do it. The difficulty level is medium on this one. Check out the tail ... very cool!
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This little doggie face needs some help with a few strokes of a pen. But it's easy to make it as cute as a pup.
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Yes, it's a dog again, but this time it's a full-bodied doggie. Hence, the difficulty level has raised to medium. You might still need a pen to fill in the face.
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So cool, but so hot. This origami dragon breathes fire. Be sure to use some red paper for more impact. Thinking of making one? The difficulty level is medium.
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What a cute elephant. A few folds will get you there. With a difficulty level of easy, you should try your hand at it.
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Triangles have never looked cooler than when creating an origami fish. The paper chosen helps give the fish a more tropical feel.
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This full-bodied origami fish is a little harder to make than the previous fish, but it looks great when you add an eye with a marker.
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Although with so many folds, it looks complicated, it's not! Making this fox has a difficulty level of easy, so go for it!
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It's just the head of the fox, but it's still impressive. The difficulty level is easy, so you can make it, put it in a lunch box with a note telling your child that he or she is as clever as a fox.
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This lighthearted origami frog could be a bit better with green paper, however, it still works. It needs some handwork to make the eyes.
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This is a jumping frog made with green paper. Yes, the difficulty is a little harder (medium level) but worth it for a more realistic looking frog.
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Of all the origami frogs you've seen so far, this one looks the most realistic. And it's of medium difficulty, like the last one, so you may prefer making this one instead.
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This horse doesn't have the soft, sloping back or rounded legs, but you can tell it's a horse. If you're making it for people who are horse enthusiasts, they'll get it immediately.
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The profile of a horse is easy to identify, but it's better if you use a white marker for its nose. It doesn't take many folds to get this one looking good.
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It's a bit boxy, but it's a monkey nevertheless. If you add in a face with a marker, it's even easier to identify.
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It's a cute little mouse. A little bit of black marker for the nose and the eye makes it complete. Try it! The difficulty level is easy.
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In 2016, the IUCN reclassified pandas from "endangered" to "vulnerable," but you can have your own origami panda any time you want with just a few folds of paper.
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The best bet is to use black and white paper for this to look as recognizable as possible. Either way, they are fun origami's to walk across a counter top.
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Use yellow paper as well as red and black markers to make Pikachu come to life. It's easy ... at least that's the difficulty level.
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Dog lovers hold a special place in their heart for certain breeds. If you know a pug lover, then make this origami pub for him or her!
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There are many ways to make rabbits using origami. Like some of the other folding methods, this uses markers to help make the rabbit face identifiable.
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This Teddy bear is ready to play. With a few folds and two half moons, you're ready to go. The difficulty level is easy.
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The shell really makes this origami turtle stand out, particularly because origami normally uses pointed folds to make the animal's body.
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The walrus tusks are what makes this origami so interesting. Although the difficulty level is medium, it's worth it to impress others with your origami technique.
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The Blue Whale is the largest animal known to exist. However, you can have one that fits in the palm of your hands if you use origami.
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It's hard enough to make a stationary origami, but to make one with movement is even more of a challenge. See if you can master the Flapping Bird.
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In real life, the pelican's beak can hold up to three gallons of fish and water. This origami doesn't convey the large size of the beak, but just like in origami, the real pelican beak has lots of folds in it!
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This owl is created perfectly from the folds of paper. To add more character, use a marker to make big eyes.
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This is very unique origami design when you look at it from all directions. Be sure to use red paper and hand-make the black dots on the ladybug to make it look great.
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This dragon head has an opening in its mouth, so beware! You can make it breathe out confetti if you wish, for added fun.
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This origami dog is following the command to "sit." The full body origami makes it easier to recognize man's best friend.
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There are so many ways to make this animal! But this one is extra special. These puffy rabbits are even more fun than regular ones.
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