1. Rings

2. See also

3. References

4. Other sources

The Chinese linking rings is considered{{By whom|date=August 2011}} to be a classic of illusion magic. In the traditional effect, solid metal rings appear to link and unlink, pass through each other, and form chains and other complex patterns and configurations. The rings may even be handed out to audience members for examination. Sometimes an audience member is invited onto the stage to perform alongside the magician as part of a "do as I do" routine.

Chinese stage magician Ching Ling Foo (1854–1922) was one of the early performers of the linking rings in the form known today. A painting by Giacomo Mantegazza in 1876 showed a harem girl holding a set of rings above her head. Speculation about the rings' origin has been traced to Turkey, Egypt and the Middle East and as long ago as the 1st century.

French magician Philippe (Jacques Andre Noel Talon) was one of the first recorded magicians to use the rings. During the second half of his show, he donned an Oriental robe and conical cap. He took {{convert|8|in|mm|adj=on}} solid metal rings and had the audience examine them. He claimed that he learned them from a troupe of Chinese jugglers in Britain. After the rings were returned, Philippe proceeded to link and unlink them. From there he made combination of glittering circles into complicated designs. According to Robert-Houdin, he said that for a finale, Philippe blew on them and they fell separately on the floor.^[1] Robert-Houdin also performed a version of the trick.

Recent magicians who are known for their performances with the linking rings include Dai Vernon,^[2] Richard Ross,^[3] Jack Miller, Michael Skinner, Whit Haydn, Ian Ray - "The Genie Ali Pali", Jeff McBride, Shoot Ogawa, Fu Manchu, Tina Lenert,^[4] Fábio De'Rose, Jim Cellini, Chris Capeheart,^[5] Tom Frank, and Galina.^[6] Christian Bale's character, Alfred Borden, performs the trick in The Prestige. The number of rings used can vary from two to ten, or more. A standard set of commercially available rings typically includes eight rings.

In 1988, Japanese magician Masahiro Yanagida performed with miniature 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 {{convert|8|in|mm|adj=mid|-diameter}} rings to be the smallest size suited for stage performance, while {{convert|12|in|mm|adj=on}} rings are common; {{convert|15|in|mm|adj=on}} 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 {{convert|4|-|5|in|cm|sing=on}} range.

Many magicians look for rings that make a nice ringing tone when they strike each other.

See also

• List of magic tricks

References

Other sources

• Whit Haydn, Comedy Four-Ring Routine, DVD
• Harlan Tarbell, Tarbell Course in magic.

• Dr Yasmin Khan
• Dryas of Calydon
• Drybank dewberry
• Dry Bar
• Dry bar
• Dry Bar Comedy
• Dry bean
• Dry bell
• Dry beriberi
• Drybin Raion
• Dry Blackthorn Cider Masters
• Dry Bones (Anthology)
• Dry Bones in the Valley
• Dry Bones (song)
• Dry Bone Valley
• Dry bottom boiler
• Dry Branch Creek (Tohickon Creek)
• Dry Branch (Cypress Creek)
• Dry Branch (Indian Creek)
• Dry Branch (Terre Bleue Creek)
• Drybridge (Monmouth ward)
• Dry brining
• Dry Brook
• Dry Brook (Butternut Creek tributary)
• Dry Brook (Cannonsville Reservoir tributary)