Matter Through Matter. Circa 1915. A sheet of canvas tacked to a wooden frame is pierced by a magic wand or other objects through a star trap lowered in front of it. Moments later, the canvas is shown unharmed, as it was at the outset of the effect. Height 9". Working, with fabric elements well worn. From the Circus Museum of Sarasota collection and bearing its hand-painted inventory number on the front of the device. According to Charles Larson's handwritten directions that accompany this prop, “This little stand is an original of the large one I have at home made up by OKITO." (Portions of Larson's collection were transferred to the Circus Museum.) Whether this crude model was the prototype of the handsome versions made in the Okito style or is in act a version sold by Gamage's of London in the 1910s is unclear based on this information.