

Animals are a popular subject matter for origami models. The traditional origami crane, or Tsuru in Japanese, is probably the most recognized origami model in the world. Some origami models may utilize both sides of the paper so a different color represents the ears, nose, feet, or spots and stripes.

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Puppy Dog Inu
Created by Edwin Corrie
Origami Favourites
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This is one of the creator's easier models to fold. He used the reverse side of the paper to indicate the ears and nose. I want to fold it in black paper - it would look like the old RCA dog, Nipper. Has anyone created a phonograph in origami?

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Butterflies Chouchou
Created by Akira Yoshizawa
Museum Origami: Animals
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This is my absolute favorite origami butterfly. If suspended from a string they flutter like real butterflies in a breeze. Ceremonial origami butterflies, the Ocho and Mecho, are used as a part of the Japanese wedding ceremony.

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Ladybug Tentoumushi
Created by Toshi Takahama
The Complete Origami Collection
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Ladybugs are symbols of good luck.

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Bear Kuma
Created by John Montroll
Animal Origami for the Enthusiast
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My first attempt at an origami bear.

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Cat Neko
Created by Toshie Takahama
Classic Origami
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The black cat is perfect for Halloween. Cats are popular characters in Japan. Traditionally, the Maneki Neko or Beckoning Cat is seen in Japanese shops and restaurants. The Maneki Neko brings wealth or customers depending on which paw is raised. In Japanese pop culture you will find popular characters like Hello Kitty, Chococat, and Nohohon.

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Dragon Tatsu
Created by Akira Yoshizawa
Origami Museum: Animals
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This is more of an Japanse style dragon without wings. Dragons are very important mythological creatures as they are gods of water and rain. In Japan they are considered proctectors of temples.

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Duck
Created by Stephen Weiss
Origami Zoo
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This origami model has a nice 3d quality.

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Goldfish Kingyo
Created by Kunihiko Kashara
Creative origami
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These origami models are made from a triangle shaped piece of origami paper.

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Bear Kuma
Created by Edwin Corrie
1994 OUSA Convetion Annual
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I love Corrie's origami models. I have several of his British Origami Society booklets.

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Whale Kujira
Created by Robert Lang
Animal Origami
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The whale looks so graceful. It reminds me of the whales we saw while on a whale watch tour in Kaikoura, New Zealand.

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Hounddog Ino
Created by Gay Merrill Gross
Origami: New Ideas in Paperfolding
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This origami dog was created using the wet-folding technique.

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Ibex
Created by Robert Lang
Animal Origami
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I folded this origami model using handmade paper and wet-folding technique.

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Iguanadon
Created by Akira Yoshizawa
Origami Museum: Animals
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I don't particularily like dinosaurs but this one is so KAWAII, which means cute in Japanese!

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Panda
Created by Akira Yoshizawa
Origami Museum: Animals
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This is made from two sheets of origami paper. I really like models that use both sides of the paper in the finished origami model.

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Traditional Frog Kaeru
Traditional
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This was the first model I learned and memorized.

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