These models typically use 30 individually folded units joined together without the use of tape or glue. The name kusudama translates to something like Medicine Ball in Japanese. Finally, if you want some more pictures of how to assemble the modules and a handy table of some of the things you can make with them, try for another diagram by Meenakshi Mukerji. A kusudama for those not familiar with the term is a modular papercraft model in the shape of a ball. Another interesting site is, which focuses on cubes. Some of these may be found on Meenakshi Mukerji's website at The last time I looked, only two of the links worked, but there are some good pictures. There are also a bunch of ways you can make the modules which add interest to the final product. Lavavej, instructions for which you may find on his website,, since they are much clearer with his photographs. Another way to assemble the Sonobes was created by Stephan T. There are many ways to put them together, which you can find on the web at One of them, using only three units, was created by Toshie Takahama, and so we call this assembly Toshie's Jewels in her honor. This origami tutorial will teach you how to make a sonobe unit, and then how to assemble them to form a 30 units sonobe. These 3D shapes have a lot of symmetry, though not as much as the Platonic solids.These modules were created by Mitsunobu Sonobe, and so we call them Sonobes.These units first appeared in the book Origami for the Connoisseur, by Kunihiko Kasahara and Toshie Takahama. Questions about larger models will lead you to the Archimedean solids and the Johnson solids. To build Platonic solids in origami, the best place to start is to master what’s known as the sonobe unit. This instructable will show you how to make the basic Sonobe unit. Questions about coloring will lead you to the mathematics of graphs and networks (and big questions that remained unsolved for many centuries). The Sonobe unit is a pretty common modular origami unit. One seemingly innocent question can easily lead to a mathematical rabbit hole. Once you've mastered the basic structure of each 3D shape, you may find yourself (as others have done) pondering deeper mathematical questions.Ĭan you arrange the sonobe units so two units of the same color never touch, if you only have three colors?Īre larger symmetric shapes possible? (Answer: yes!)Īre there relationships between the different 3D shapes? (For example, the icosahedron is basically built of triangles, but can you spot the pentagons lurking within? Or the triangles in the dodecahedron?) Sonobe units, like these ones piled in a stack, can be put together to create 3D shapes. So, for a little effort you are rewarded with a vast number of models to explore. Many modular origami patterns, although they may use different units, have a similar method of combining units into a bigger creation. The building blocks, called units, are typically straightforward to fold the mathematical skill comes in assembling the larger structure and discovering the patterns within them. That's where you use several pieces of folded paper as "building blocks" to create a larger, often symmetrical structure. Any piece of origami will contain mathematical ideas and skills, and can take you on a fascinating, creative journey.Īs a geometer (mathematician who studies geometry), my favorite technique is modular origami. I'm a mathematician whose hobby is origami, and I love introducing people to mathematical ideas through crafts like paper folding. Both activities, however, share similar skills: precision, the ability to follow an algorithm, an intuition for shape, and a search for pattern and symmetry.
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