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.
The Ancient Chinese Bowls Act is 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.
Shipping and Returns
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Express shipping options are also available at checkout for an additional fee, ensuring your fashion essentials arrive even sooner. Enjoy free shipping on orders over $150. For any questions regarding your order, please contact our customer service team for assistance.
Return Policies
Provided the conditions in our refund policy have been met, refunds will be processed using the original form of payment. You can return an item purchased online by posting it to us. Please contact customer service for return address. Please note that delivery costs will be excluded from the refund unless goods are returned in accordance with your statutory rights (e.g. they are faulty or not as ordered).
The items with the original receipt are returned within 30 days of purchase.
Items must be in the original condition as purchased with all labels/tickets attached.
Provided the conditions in our refund policy have been met, refunds will be processed using the original form of payment. You can return an item purchased online by posting it to us. Please contact customer service for return address. Please note that delivery costs will be excluded from the refund unless goods are returned in accordance with your statutory rights (e.g. they are faulty or not as ordered).
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