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Last updated 12/1/2026

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Origami: The Oriental Art of Paper Folding by Harry C Helfman, 1960
 
'Origami: The Oriental Art of Paper Folding by Harry C Helfman' by Harry C Helfman was published by Platt and Munk Co Inc in New York in 1960 in two versions, a hardback version and a paperback version. The paperback version formed part of a kit that also included paper for folding. There was also a paperback version published by The Child Guidance Press.

I have not seen a copy of the hardback version. This page is based on the paperback version, a full copy of which can be accessed online here.

The following advert, which was published in the New York Times on 3rd December 1960, states that the hardback book contained a few extra designs.

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There was also a version published by The Child Guidance Press. I have not seen a copy of this version or of the original hardback version.

In around September 1961, Platt and Munk published a 'Deluxe Origami Mobile Kit' which also included the paperback version.

Another hardback version was published in 1965, details of which can be found here.

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This photo is said to show Yoko Ono at Abraham & Strauss bookshop NYC in 1961. Copies of the kit version can be seen behind her and stacked at the bottom right.

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The Paper Back Version

The paperback version of the book contains the following information about the author:

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Contents

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Analysis

Basic Shapes

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Sail Boat - The Simple Sailboat

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Jet Plane - The Paper Dart

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Cup - The Paper Cup

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Bird

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Sea Gull

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Whale (Cut)

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Fish (Cut)

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Penguin

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The Simple Swan

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Seal (Cut) - The Fish-Base Seal

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Table - The Table

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Pinwheel - The Windmill

Flying Wing - The Carrier Pigeon

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Butterfly - The Cut Butterfly

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Double Boat - The Double Boat

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Candy Dish - The Salt Cellar

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Flapping Bird - The Flapping Bird

The Introduction states:

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