Japanese magician Princess Tenko has been seriously injured in a sword trick that went wrong.
The illusionist was trapped in a box by 10 metal swords during a show in the Japanese city of Sabae, breaking several ribs and her right cheek.
One of the swords "would have been stuck in her right eye if it were one centimetre higher", her manager Noboru Ochiai said.
"It will take a month to heal the wounds," he added.
Princess Tenko has a large fan base in Asia and North America and regularly performs in Las Vegas.
'Tremendous pain'
Renowned for her elaborate costumes and doll make-up, the magician was injured performing a trick billed as The Spike Illusion in the Face of Death.
She was supposed to escape a box the moment it was speared by 10 fake metal swords, but instead was pinned inside.
The star continued her performance for 30 minutes before the show was called off.
"She is suffering tremendous pain but is more shocked that she had to call off performances," Mr Ochiai said.
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