Designer: Jim Steinmeyer
Builder: John Gaughan, Wellington, Also can contact Jim Steinmeyer for more information
Origami is a stage illusion based on the art of Japanese paper-folding. A box is shown sitting on a table and a mirror is in the back allowing the audience to see what's happening on the back side of the box. An assistant gets into the box and the box is then folded (like origami) until it is roughly 1 foot square. Swords are then places through the box from the sides and top. The swords are removed and the box unfolded and the assistant emerges unharmed.
An alternate version is available that features a broken and restored mirror effect as well. In this version, broken shards from the mirror are passed into the cube instead of swords.
In the 1980's John Gaughan constructed the first version for Doug Henning. The effect has also been performed by David Copperfield and many other leading illusionists worldwide. It is one of the most (illegally) copied effects in magic.
Origami is protected under a design patent that was filed in 2008. The date of the patent is May 26, 2009 - US Patent No. D593,178.
The previous patent was issued March 29, 1994 - US Patent No. D345,595.
Photo Credits: Taylor Reed (assistant in red dress), Wellington Enterprises (red/blue boxes shown with swords), Jim Steinmeyer (photo of Doug Henning)
