The Chinese Linking Rings is considered to be a classic of illusion magic. In the traditional effect, solid metal rings appear to link and unlink, pass through each other, form chains and other complex patterns and configurations. The rings may even be handed out to audience members for examination.
Ching Ling Foo was one of the early performers of the Linking Rings in the form we know today. Speculation about their origin has been made to Turkey, Egypt and the Middle East and as far back as the first century. A painting by Giacomo Mantegazza in 1876 shows a harem girl holding a set of rings above her head. Recent magicians who are known for their performances with the Linking Rings include Michael Skinner, Whit Haydn, Jeff McBride, Shoot Ogawa, Jim Cellini and Tom Frank. Christian Bale's character, Alfred Borden, performs the trick in The Prestige. The number of rings used can vary from two to as many as ten or more. A standard set of commercially available rings typically includes eight rings.
In 1988, Japanese magician Masahiro Yanagida performed his miniature linking rings routine, the Ninja Rings, using four rings that were four and a half inches (or 11.43 cm) in diameter. Since then, the Chinese Linking Rings have also become a favourite performance item for close-up magicians.
Rings
A quality set of eight linking rings can be obtained from a supplier of magic props. Most consider eight (8)-inch diameter rings to be the smallest size suited for stage performance, while twelve (12") inch rings are common; 15" rings are also available, but rarely seen in use. Larger sizes are often constructed from stainless steel tubing for the best combination of durability and weight. Professionals may wish to have a set of larger-diameter rings for use on a stage, or a 'close-up' set of rings in the 4-5 inch (10-13 cm) range.
Many magicians look for rings that make a nice ring tone when they strike each other.
Method
One method of performing this illusion would be that the magician appears to show several separate and solid rings, but some of the rings are gimmicked, for example:
- A key ring: This ring contains an opening. In simple sets this may be a gap which is concealed by the magician's hand. Professional rings have a diagonal split that opens when tapped correctly by another ring, leaving no obvious 'gap' to be seen by the audience. Most recently some key rings have a secret mechanism for closing the gap mechanically.
- Linked rings: two or more solid rings already linked together. They cannot be separated.
The ability to show that the rings are all separate and solid is usually done using a false count. The illusion of the joining and unjoining of the rings is achieved by sleight of hand and optical illusion. Performers strive to make the penetration of one ring by another appear smooth, plain, and clear.[1]
See also
References
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