MDL0127 - ORIGAMI - SANBO (FROM A SQUARE)
Credits and Resources:
Design: Traditional/Unknown
Text-Only Instructions: © 2026 by Lindy van der Merwe
For instructions with pictures, see, for example, wikihow.com
Paper to be used: Square; since many layers are involved, it is recommended to start with a large sheet around 20 cm square made of thin, but strong paper.
Folding level: Intermediate
Steps: 18
Description: A sanbo, also called a sanbow, is a traditional Japanese offering dish. The sanbo is different from most other origami boxes in the fact that it has two large flaps on two of its sides, giving it a decorative effect. The bottom of the vessel is raised from the ground. The 4 sides form a kind of square enclosure for the base of the box.
Remarks: This box is perfect to use for all occasions and it is fairly easy to fold. It makes a nice display and is great to use in place of an egg cup.
NOTE: This model starts from the Blintz Base. If you are able to achieve this without instructions, fold the Blintz Base once; then go to Step 5. You can also learn about the Blintz and other origami bases at the following link: accessorigami.com
Step 1
Place a square piece of paper down with its edges to the left and right, top and bottom.
Step 2
Fold the left edge over to meet the right edge. Crease and unfold.
Step 3
Fold the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease and unfold.
Step 4
Use the crease lines on your paper to fold all four corners in to meet at the center of the square.
Step 5
Flip the new, smaller square over from left to right to reveal a smooth surface on the other side of the paper.
Step 6
Fold the square in half from left to right. Crease and unfold.
Step 7
Fold the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease well and leave folded.
Step 8
Form a Square Base by grasping the two folded corners of the model, lifting it from your folding surface. Gently bring your hands together. The diagonals will fold inwards to form a square or diamond shape, the Square or Preliminary Base.
Step 9
Press the model flat. It will now look like a diamond with a vertical crease dividing it into two triangles.
Rotate the diamond shape so its closed point is nearest you before going to the next step.
Step 10
Notice that your model now has many layers. The two triangles you have on the surface of the model actually are pockets that we will now open.
To do this, use your thumbs to pry apart the paper at the vertical center crease. Grab the top layer of paper gently and pull the flaps away from each other and a little downwards and towards you.
The paper should flatten into a rectangle nearest you that is attached to a triangle that will be pointing away from you.
Step 11
Flip the entire model over from left to right and repeat the previous step on the other side of the paper.
You will now have another rectangle nearest you and a triangle pointing away from you.
The model will be symmetrical, with two multi-layered flaps on each side.
Step 12
Turn the right front flap over to the left, like turning the page of a book.
Step 13
Flip the paper over from left to right and repeat flipping the flap over to the left as well.
The basic outline of the model will stay the same, except that the surface will now be smooth, with a vertical slit once again running down its center on both the back and front of the figure.
Make sure the triangular tip is pointing away from you for the next step.
Step 14
Now, fold each straight side of the "house" shape in so it meets the center vertical crease. Leave folded.
Step 15
Flip to the other side of the paper and repeat the previous step.
The model will now resemble an arrow pointing away from you or a tall house.
Step 16
Grasp the roof point of the house shape, the front triangle only, and fold it towards you as far as it will comfortably go.
Put another way, fold down the triangular roof flap so its point meets the bottom edge of the model nearest you.
Step 17
Flip the model over and repeat the previous step, folding down the remaining triangle as well.
You will now have folded the roof of the house down on both sides.
Step 18
Pick up the figure and position it so the pointy flaps are on the left and right.
Place your fingers on the inside of the folds of the box and gently pull your hands apart.
Press the creases on the inside outward so the model stays open.
If preferred, the large side flaps may be tucked under by folding them in half using a mountain fold.
Alternatively, glue them down on both sides or leave them as is.
Making origami accessible through text-based tutorials.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled: September 2026
This text is © 2026 by accessorigami.com and the author.