Origami (magic trick)
Encyclopedia
Origami is a magic
stage illusion with a Japanese paperfolding theme that was designed by Jim Steinmeyer
. In the 1980's Illusion builder John Gaughan
refined the concept and constructed the first version for Doug Henning
.
The magician
displays a 12-inch cube that sits on top and near one end of a rectangular table, with a mirror standing vertically at the opposite end (as the magician says, "so you can see the back of the box at all times"). The magician opens the top of the box which is hinged at one side, and proceeds to unfold the sides, enlarging the box until it is about twice as long and touching the mirror, and about twice as tall.
The lady assistant steps up onto the table and then into the box. After she crouches down inside the box, the magician dramatically folds the box back into a 12-inch cube, which appears to be too small for the woman to fit inside.
The magician then takes three swords and stabs them through slits in the center of each face of the box; the first from front to back, the second from one side to the other side, and then stands on the table to insert the third sword from top to bottom.
The magician rotates the table around a full circle to show all sides. Then he removes the swords, unfolds the box once again to its full size, and the lady steps out unharmed.
Magic (illusion)
Magic is a performing art that entertains audiences by staging tricks or creating illusions of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats using natural means...
stage illusion with a Japanese paperfolding theme that was designed by Jim Steinmeyer
Jim Steinmeyer
Jim Steinmeyer is an internationally respected designer of magical illusions and theatrical special effects. His best known illusions include Origami, Interlude, and Walking Through a Mirror. He is also an author, consultant and producer....
. In the 1980's Illusion builder John Gaughan
John Gaughan
John Gaughan is a manufacturer of magic acts and equipment for magicians based in Los Angeles, California. His style of work is classic, not based heavily on machinery and technology....
refined the concept and constructed the first version for Doug Henning
Doug Henning
Douglas James Henning was a Canadian magician, illusionist, escape artist and politician.-Early life:...
.
The magician
Magic (illusion)
Magic is a performing art that entertains audiences by staging tricks or creating illusions of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats using natural means...
displays a 12-inch cube that sits on top and near one end of a rectangular table, with a mirror standing vertically at the opposite end (as the magician says, "so you can see the back of the box at all times"). The magician opens the top of the box which is hinged at one side, and proceeds to unfold the sides, enlarging the box until it is about twice as long and touching the mirror, and about twice as tall.
The lady assistant steps up onto the table and then into the box. After she crouches down inside the box, the magician dramatically folds the box back into a 12-inch cube, which appears to be too small for the woman to fit inside.
The magician then takes three swords and stabs them through slits in the center of each face of the box; the first from front to back, the second from one side to the other side, and then stands on the table to insert the third sword from top to bottom.
The magician rotates the table around a full circle to show all sides. Then he removes the swords, unfolds the box once again to its full size, and the lady steps out unharmed.
External links
- Origami Illusion, Issued March 29, 1994, US Patent No. D345,595.
- Google Patents