favorite TRADITIONAL model?

[foldingpaper]

i like to make the lotus and snail because theyre pleasing to fold, and the turtle from waterbomb base because it' sentimental

[Baltorigamist]

I would say it's probably the Star Box, the first thing I ever folded. It has a simple enough folding sequence, it looks nice when completed, and the last step is interesting (for lack of a better word).

[cowburger13]

the collapseable box was one of my favorites

[Razzmatazz]

Samaurai Helmet is my favourite I think. I really like cranes too.

[gab]

To me, you just can't beat the crane. It's beautiful in its geometric simplicity, and symbolic as well. The samurai helmet is also up there, and the lily. Though I got a bit burned out on the lily when I had to fold some 30 of them from large, thick paper for a window display.

[ahudson]

Chinese Junk, or Treasure ship, depending on which book it's in.

[gordigami]

I'm as fascinated by intermediate, high intermediate and complex models as the next guy, but I believe that the question related to traditional models .
A fairly good collection may be seen here :
http://www.giladorigami.com/SW_traditional.html
That being said, I used to enjoy making mazu boxes, flapping bird and the iris .