On Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 4:15 PM, Gerardo @neorigami.com wrote: motivated by our recent conversations, I've been thinking about proposing a tato creation challenge. The problem is that I believe there isn't much clarity about what constitutes a tato and what doesn't. So I tried to look for different extracts from the web that might help build a definition.
----- I use the definition "a decoratively-folded envelope that can be used to hold small, flat items." In a strict sense, I would say that what we (in the USA) think of as an envelope would not qualify as a tato, but that is based on the traditional models, that I know of, that are named "tato" by folders in Japan. They are usually folded from squares and have a notably decorative face, often showing the back color. On the other hand, I believe (my books are now packed away) that Tomoko Fuse has a book titled “Tatos” that includes (I think) some models that are more what I would call envelopes or letterfolds. Another class of models, called “noshi” are also more what I would call envelopes or letterfolds. Again, what would these things be called in Japan? Are they lumped under one nomenclature or classified into different classes, and if the latter, who would decide/dictate what class each model falls under, who would “write the definition”? ----- Of the examples that Gerardo provided: --- 1st one is what I’ve heard called “postage stamp envelope of Spanish origin”. I think Leyla Torres featured it on her website origamispirit.com. http://www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/make-your-own-paper-seed-packets/ --- 2nd one is a model that I learned from a now-forgotten source. I refer to it as an envelope or letterfold. This model looks like a variation of the 5th example (discussed below) or vice versa. https://www.etsy.com/listing/103297422/handmade-origami-ang-pow-hong-pau-red --- 3rd & 4th ones are new to me. http://www.ranjeetrao.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/080828_seedpacket_w.jpg http://www.nickrobinson.info/origami/petty/mom/mom44.htm --- 5th one is an envelope/letterfold that I learned many years ago, except the photos don’t show the last fold before the tuck, which is to fold the sides so their edges meet the edges of the part in the middle, making the envelope rectangular and the flap tuckable. I’ve always liked this one because it can be mailed using standard postage as long as it isn’t too oddly-shaped (you control the shape by folding the bottom corner up more, or less, in the 2nd step, after making the diagonal fold-in-half to mark the centerline). http://www.pajarita.org/foro/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2170#p33817 ----- I would not call the 1st or 5th ones “tatos”; I would call them envelopes or perhaps letterfolds. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ones are more tato-like, for me. But I have no idea who might be “the authority” on this subject and be able to define “tato” such that you could clearly distinguish a tato from an envelope or letterfold (a letterfold being an envelope that you’ve written on before folding it). I would bet that the tato started out as just an envelope that was folded to hold something and over time people invented more decorative variations and today we in the origami community ascribe special significance to it. Reading the definitions Gerardo provided bears this out, too. ----- So, if you want to have a Tato Creation Challenge, I think you could define your own “rules”. How about: Made from a square; max and min size of square; can show back-color, or not; must be completely closed (can hold small seeds or beads without losing them); must be open-able without tearing the paper. ..... from Chila /// ------------------------------------------------------- Chilagami - I think, therefore I fold; I fold, therefore I am Folding for Fun in the Mojave Desert Southern California, USA [email protected] www.origamichila.blogspot.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
