This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/15/2025
OKITO (Tobias Bamberg, 1875 – 1963). Hong Too Ming. Chinese Illusionist. Berlin: Dinse, Eckert & Co., ca. 1915. Colorful left-facing half-length bust portrait of Okito in an elaborate Chinese robe with a floral and duck motif, a braided queue draped over one shoulder. The word “Chinese" an overprinted banner affixed by the printer. 39 x 27 ¾". Linen backed. Over-coloring to correct cellotape staining throughout. B. Variant of a RARE Okito poster.
Okito owned and operated the Bamberg Magic & Novelty Co. at 1193 N. Broadway in New York City. Upon opening the business, he sold his well-known Asian magic act to William J. Nixon, a Brooklyn Plumber. This poster, originally created for Okito, is likely overprinted with the “Hong Too Ming" name in place of Okito's as the magician was forced to adopt several different stage names in place of his own while Nixon still owned the rights to the moniker. Eventually the rights reverted to him and he resumed performing as Okito.