The Public Paperfolding History Project

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Last updated 12/12/2023

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The Pair of Boots
 
This page attempts to record what is known about the origin and history of the origami design known as the Pair of Boots. Please contact me if you know any of this information is incorrect or if you have any other information that should be added. Thank you.

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In Japan

The basic form of the Pair of Boots appears in 'Yochien Ombutsu No Zu', a publication of kindergarten material issued by the Tokyo Women's Normal School in 1878.

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In Western Europe / USA

1869

A design called 'Die Stiefel' (the boots), which is not illustrated, but which from the context is most probably the Pair of Boots, appears in a list of designs in 'Der Kindergarten' by Hermann Goldammer, which was published by Habel in Berlin in 1869.

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'Paradise of Childhood' by Edward Wiebe, which was published by Milton, Bradley and Company in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1869, and is effectively a translation of Goldammer's 'Der Kindergarten', similarly includes a 'the boots' in its list of Forms of Life.

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1873

A version of this design appears as 'Flacon' (bottle) in 'Die Praxis Des Kindergartens' by Auguste Koehler, which was published by Herman Bohlau in Weimar in 1873.

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1874

This design also appears in the revised version of 'Der Kindergarten' by Hermann Goldammer which was published by Carl Babel in Berlin in 1874.

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This second version of the design also appears:

1880

In 'The Kindergarten Principle' by Mary J Lyschinska, whicjh was published in London in 1880 by Wm Isbister Ltd.

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1882

In part two of 'The Kindergarten Guide' by Maria Kraus Boelte and John Kraus, which was probably first published by E. Steiger and Company in New York in 1882.

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1887

As 'Stiefelchen' (booties) in part 2 'Die Praxis' of 'Theoretisches und praktisches Handbuch der Fröbelschen Erziehungslehre' by Bertha von Marentholtz-Bülow, which was published by George H Wigand in Kassel in 1887.

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1893

'Practical Suggestions for Kindergartners, Primary Teachers and Mothers' by Jeannette R Gregory, which was published by C B Woodward and Co in St Louis in 1893, contains an illustration of the Pair of Boots.

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1900

In 'Die Frobelschen Beschaftigungen: Das Falten' by Marie Muller-Wunderlich, which was published by Friedrich Brandstetter in Leipzig in 1900.

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1923

In 'More Paper Magic' by Will Blyth, which was published by C Arthur Pearson in London in 1923.

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