I've just returned from a month in France, Whilst there I visited a european book sale weekend in the Southern Loire region of Central France.
I noticed this fantastic art form on display there.
The artist informed me that as children they are taught this style of book folding in School, but couldn't say why or when it was started.
It is the first time I have ever seen anything like it and I was amazed at the tecture and structure displayed, the artist I spoke to mentioned that she had just started folding a 2,000 page antique bible of very fine paper & it would take over a week to complete! Sorry I can't help any further. Jules