On a paper trail

On his previous visit, he taught students how to make paper menbo, symmetrical, intricate door rings used on doors in ancient China.

On both occasions, he also shared the history and cultural background of the two traditional objects with the students.

Speaking about the classes, he says: "It's good for the young to learn the history of these traditional objects in a paper-craft class. So, while they talk about the traditional garment, they can also make paper hanfu."

The history of origami followed the invention of paper by the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) court official, Cai Lun. It is said that during the 6th century when some Buddhist monks arrived in Japan, they carried paper with them, and gradually local Japanese developed the paper folding into an art. The word "origami" comes from Japanese, "ori" meaning "folding", and "kami" meaning "paper" .

As for the future of origami, Liu says: "To promote the old craft we need to boost its popularity among young people, and exploit its commercial value."

That's why, Liu says, he designs window displays for luxury brands, produces jewelry based on his origami works and tries to use the craft in architecture.

"Openness and innovation are of equal importance," says Liu, who has also devised a painting form for origami work.

"Profit can be a sustainable way to develop and pass down the craft," says Liu.