transforming picture; fold-and-change picture
A picture or illustration that changes its appearance when folded, cut, or manipulated, often revealing a different expression or scene. A traditional Japanese paper craft.
変わり絵を折ると、笑顔が怒った顔に変わる。
When you fold the transforming picture, the smiling face changes into an angry face.
この絵本には変わり絵がたくさん使われている。
This picture book uses many fold-and-change pictures.
Standard spelling using 変わる (to change).
Variant without okurigana わ.
Alternate kanji 替 (replace/substitute) also used.
Variant of 替わり絵 without okurigana.
Compound of 変わり (kawari, 'changing') + 絵 (e, 'picture'). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it is associated with traditional Japanese paper amusements.