The Cups and Balls is one of the oldest effects in the history of magic, with roots in cultures around the world. In China, the traditional version is known as "Immortal Picks the Beans" - a classic of Chinese conjuring once performed in the imperial courts.
Unfortunately, many traditional Chinese acts have been lost over time. For centuries, Chinese magicians passed down their secrets only through strict master-apprentice relationships. This secrecy preserved their authenticity but also meant that many of the most beautiful pieces of magic nearly disappeared.
TheAncient Chinese Bowls Actis a faithful revival of this heritage. Using simple bowls and beans, the magician makes the beans travel from one bowl to another, multiply, and vanish. Yet unlike the Western Cups and Balls, this Chinese version requires no extra balls - embodying the unique way of thinking behind Chinese magic.
What makes this set unique is its unprecedented finale: instead of the usual appearance of extra objects, the bowls themselves can vanish from the table and reappear. When they return, three bowls are produced in succession - one filled with flowers, one with flowing water, and one with grain. This climactic transformation is extraordinarily rare, even in China today. Best of all, no repeated loading is required: everything is designed so the sequence flows naturally, allowing you to perform a complete routine from beginning to end.
Why Choose the Ancient Chinese Bowls Act?
The most authentic and professional version of "Immortal Picks the Beans" available today, created by a direct heir of the Zhao family conjuring tradition, ensuring authenticity and authority.
Simple setup and performance, without the repeated loads required in the Cups and Balls
A full act, not just a collection of methods and effects - suitable for almost any performance setting
The final production allows you to produce liquids or grains, offering a powerful and visual climax
Designed for clarity, elegance, and storytelling, rooted in Chinese tradition but adapted for modern audiences
What's Included
Precision-crafted gimmicked apparatus
Three special bowls
Two regular bowls
Seven performance balls (five in use, two spares)
Iron ring and cloth
Two flowers for the final production (one in use, one spares)
45 minutes of detailed video instruction, covering every move, subtlety and countless variations
Elegant, collectible packaging - made to last a lifetime
A High-End Collectible
This is not a mass-market trick. Each set is carefully produced to honor the tradition of Chinese magic while meeting the expectations of modern professionals. It is a complete performance piece, suitable for stage, parlor, or special events.
The Ancient Chinese Bowls Act is both a working routine and a collector's item - a rare opportunity to own a piece of living Chinese magic history.
Ed Marlo created so much magic that at the peak of his career, he struggled to have it all published. So, on the advice of David Solomon, he printed and...
A Versatile Force DictionaryA Professional Book TestA powerful tool for every magician and mentalist"A versatile and powerful tool."- Brad Henderson, Genii"Todd Karr has created a masterpiece! We can't wait to put...
Six paper card boxes in a gradient of colors (transitioning from classic red/blue to pure white), nested layer by layer like the tiers of a dream. Each box is a fragment...
Six paper card boxes in a gradient of colors (transitioning from classic red/blue to pure white), nested layer by layer like the tiers of a dream. Each box is a fragment...
Introducing The Examiner: Special EditionThe 100% Examinable Torn & Restored NewspaperJohn Graham has reimagined the classic torn-and-restored newspaper effect for modern performers.The Examiner: Special Edition is not just a routine - it's...
Six precisely nested boxes, stacked like Russian dolls. One fits inside the other, each layer holding a surprise.Let the audience shuffle the deck thoroughly-mixing cards face-up and face-down as they...
Six precisely nested boxes, stacked like Russian dolls. One fits inside the other, each layer holding a surprise.Let the audience shuffle the deck thoroughly-mixing cards face-up and face-down as they...
The new Neo Eclipse Magnetic Ring now features a larger surface area. The magnet is no longer visible: the specially custom-made crescent-shaped magnet is fully embedded inside the ring. The ring...