Art of  washi and origami comes to Yerevan

Sometimes, history isn’t preserved in stone or bronze but in a delicate sheet of paper that survives centuries while carrying the traces of human hands. In Japan, a handwritten document from 702 AD has endured over thirteen centuries, remaining remarkably intact.

This tradition can now be experienced in Yerevan: from February 24 to March 6, the Heinrich Igityan National Center of Aesthetics hosts an exhibition organized by the Embassy of Japan in Armenia, dedicated to the art of washi paper and the ancient practice of origami. The showcase highlights the philosophy of respecting materials, cultivating patience, and mastering precision.

Historically, washi was used for books, important documents, room dividers, and doors in Japanese homes, as well as in painting and decorative arts. Today, it also appears in modern design, fashion, and interior decoration. Its natural composition makes it environmentally friendly.

Interestingly, washi has also contributed to preserving Armenian heritage. In 2001, Japan provided equipment for the restoration of manuscripts at the Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts. Japanese paper is used to reinforce damaged pages and extend the life of these historic texts—one tradition supporting another.

The exhibition features works by Armenian masters and educators promoting origami in Armenia, including Karine Piliposyan, a teacher at the Heinrich Igityan Center and president of the “Hikari” center; Artur Karapetyan, who has practiced the technique for over twenty years; Armine Azizbekyan, an experienced origami instructor; and Zemfira Eghanyan and Shushanik Aleksanyan, who apply paper-folding art in educational and inclusive practices.

Visitors can enjoy professional origami creations alongside thematic children’s collections such as “Butterflies and Fish.” Students from the Armenian-Japanese Hikari Cultural and Educational Center also contribute works depicting animals, flowers, and more complex compositions inspired by Japanese history and culture.