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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tenyo of Japan » » New Tenyo enthusiast - bitten by the bug (0 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

Jitterbug
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Hi guys,
Tenyophiles,

I have been a member for a while, read some posts on Tenyo and other tricks now and the, but never had anything to add, really. But the time has come to contribute, I think.

Allow me to introduce myself: I am a 37y old magic enthusiast, loving magic since I was 6 years old, reading about magic and stage illusions since I can remember. I made flimsy cardboard tricks until in the early 1990's I bought a few tricks from a real magic shop in Belgium (pre-internet age, mind you). These appeared almost exclusively to be from Tenyo. Since then I bought a few Tenyo's every two years or so, whenever magic fever rose again. Now the time has come to pass on the interest in magic to my children, and they seem to be as enthusiastic as I was back then. (performing for the wife and children, spending quality time together: I guess I am not the only one using this as an excuse to buy more Tenyo, right? ;-)

After a recent Tenyo-fever attack, I went on a buying frenzy, having reached a total of 80 now, and a few spares. Anyone interested in which ones exactly, let me know. It is not my goal to reach an almost complete collection, I have realised that that is nearly impossible with modest funds. But my 'want'-list contains a few harder to get items. Ah, we'll see, one has to dream

Also I can add that thanks to the forum (and the nice tenyo-websites out there, and their wealth of information) I came into contact with fellow Belgian Killertweety, and Botond and Stereo. I bought some nice items from them and contact was super smooth and friendly. Thx for the great work, and service!
wally
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I have a new mobile illusion and a new prison box £80 each + postage from England, I do have a good Ninja experiment But the box has been squashed £130.
Richard Kaufman
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It's impossible to have a "complete" collection because even Tenyo does not know every magic product they have made. Several of us have very comprehensive collections, but none are "complete."
You can never even collect all of the T-numbers because it appears that one was never made (Coin Coaster), another was poorly produced and therefore only two seem to exist (Breakaway Fan), and there is yet a third for which no one has the English-language packaging (Linking Rings).

But good luck and enjoy collecting. With only 80 items you have a lot to buy! Smile You can also buy my Tenyo book, coming out in September, which is rather comprehensive.
Jitterbug
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Belgium
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Wally, I am a modest collector, but I do have three mobile illusions ;-) But I will PM you on the Prison Box and Ninja Experiment, though; Are you keen for a bargain?
Jitterbug
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Quote:
On Jul 14, 2015, Richard Kaufman wrote:
It's impossible to have a "complete" collection

But good luck and enjoy collecting. With only 80 items you have a lot to buy! Smile You can also buy my Tenyo book, coming out in September, which is rather comprehensive.


Hi Richard,

Thanks for the info. Yes, it is impossible to have a complete collection, I have read this before on this forum. But seeing how much I have recently spent on Tenyo, that's another reason why it is not possible without considerable funds to back it up.
I have now 90 pieces, and roughly I would like to have another 20-40 that really interest me. But the more obscure ones, or older ones don't speak to me that much. Do you have your collection on display somewhere on the net?

Your book, yes, that interests me a lot. Is there a waiting list for the limited edition, does it make sense to get on there, or no chance? In any case, the 'regular' edition interests me a lot. It is on my 'want'-list

Kind regards,

Niels
Wizard of Oz
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Jitterbug, I'm like you. I became overwhelmed with the breadth of the Tenyo universe, and now only collect the effects and props - old or new - which actually appeal to me. Notice I said "effects and props," which in my case is important.

Sometimes, I'm attracted to the "effect" of a Tenyo piece, i.e. what actually transpires when the prop is demonstrated, even though I may not like the way the prop looks (e.g. the graphics, colors, overall design). I will still add this piece to my collection because I like the effect.

Conversely, I may be attracted to a Tenyo prop exclusively because of it's look and feel, and not necessarily because of the effect of the prop or the way it is demonstrated. I may just think it's a beautiful, mysterious object worthy of admiration and display.

Either way, these two "filters" have managed to keep my Tenyo collection to a manageable size. And, I never have to worry about collecting everything I need because I already have everything I want.
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
Jitterbug
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Wizard, yup, exactly the way I feel.

I recall a statement from Killertweety saying that he will not spend crazy money on the last few effects that are stlll missing in his Tenyo collection, when those effect are made in better versions by other manufacturers at a fraction of the cost. I second that. Of course, when your goal is to have a complete collection, or nearly complete, because that is the attainable limit, then you know what the consequences are, time- and fund wise.

I recently paid more then 200$ for a BNIB Geometrick (I know, but something is worth what the fool wants to pay for it), knowing that a local Belgian Magic shop sells an exquisite and beautifully decorated die box for that same price. But I went for it, because I couldn't resist. I don't think this is a great baffling magic trick, but more of a fascinating geometric curiosity.
The Ninja Experiment is another example of a greatly overpriced 'magic' trick, but boy do I want one of those badly. It is just fascinating and attractive and vintage.

The prop of clean cut and zig zag cig is so clever (Clean Cut was my first or second tenyo in the early 90's, I enjoyed that ever since) but as a routine, well, there is not much there. I also like Twister (Pencillia), which has the same theme. And credit slasher, all clever props.

Bird watcher, doesn't appeal to me as a prop (although it is quite clever) but as a young kid I could baffle my family members with it, because there is a strong routine associated with it.

Personally, I am more of a prop guy, a kind of 'magic box' aficionado, to me that's the first attraction. As an engineer I adore technical stuff, that would explain it. But without a good routine it remains a curiosity. Some combine both, like Crystal Cleaver, Trap box.

I agree with you 'two filter approach', for me it makes sense as well. My wallet and storage space limit will be thankful...
Richard Kaufman
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Sorry to say that the limited editions of Tenyoism sold out a year ago. About half of the regular editions are still available. If you're interested, try to order by September 1 because I have no idea how quickly they're going to sell in the next 6 weeks.

Of the older Tenyo tricks, many are "classic" items not created by Tenyo, but those little boxes are quite difficult to find and highly prized by the "completist."

The earliest original Tenyo tricks are "Homing Dice" (1964), "Coin in Match" (1966), "Mystic Ruby" (1966), and "Flower Wand" (1968). Of those four, only "Coin in Match" and "Mystic Ruby" are easy to find. The other two are quite good, though, and explained in the book.

The next group of original items was the "Magic in Japan" series in 1973: "Walt Disney World" (Sawa), "Fantastic" (Sawa), "I'm a Magician" (Atsukawa), and "Melting Loop" (Kato). Of those four, only "I'm a Magician" is easy to find. The other three are excellent tricks, and all three are explained in the book.

1976 is the year when the Creative Division really set to work.

Some of the Tenyo tricks that people think are crappy for one reason or another are actually quite good and under-appreciated for one reason or another. There are many discoveries to be made in the book.
Jitterbug
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Belgium
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Tenyoism is on my want list, but this month was all about the 'carefully planned expansion of the collection' AKA a buying frenzy. I became half of a collector overnight. But I have realised that I am not and cannot be a 'completist' (nice word Richard). I'm a Magician is on its way. Looking forward to the discoveries in the book...
edshern
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Quote:
On Jul 15, 2015, Wizard of Oz wrote:
Jitterbug, I'm like you. I became overwhelmed with the breadth of the Tenyo universe, and now only collect the effects and props - old or new - which actually appeal to me. Notice I said "effects and props," which in my case is important.

Sometimes, I'm attracted to the "effect" of a Tenyo piece, i.e. what actually transpires when the prop is demonstrated, even though I may not like the way the prop looks (e.g. the graphics, colors, overall design). I will still add this piece to my collection because I like the effect.

Conversely, I may be attracted to a Tenyo prop exclusively because of it's look and feel, and not necessarily because of the effect of the prop or the way it is demonstrated. I may just think it's a beautiful, mysterious object worthy of admiration and display.

Either way, these two "filters" have managed to keep my Tenyo collection to a manageable size. And, I never have to worry about collecting everything I need because I already have everything I want.


I too feel this way. Unfortunately I didn't figure it out until after accumulating over 200 effects.
HOWEVER, now even though I have a ton of stuff that I don't use or display, I can't bring myself to sell any of it either.

Ed

PS- I'm hoping that Richard's book will give me a fresh perspective on that stuff.
Jitterbug
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Quote:
On Jul 17, 2015, edshern wrote:
]

I too feel this way. Unfortunately I didn't figure it out until after accumulating over 200 effects.
HOWEVER, now even though I have a ton of stuff that I don't use or display, I can't bring myself to sell any of it either.

Ed

PS- I'm hoping that Richard's book will give me a fresh perspective on that stuff.


Ed, I am also hoping for nice new routines in "Tenyoism", or fresh perspectives on some tricks; besides that I am really into historic facts and behind the scene stories. I hope that there is tons of fingerpicking stuff like that too.

About the selling: I feel the same way too, I have a hard time parting with any of the stuff that I acquire. But I must obey the storage space limit in my house…So a balance will have to be found, somehow, sometime ;-)
casinoboss
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Just purchased my first two Tenyo products (4D Surprise and Ghost Lamp) after coming across them in a convenience store while visiting relatives in Taipei. Trying desperately not to get bitten too hard. Must resist....
Goldini
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Jitterbug, I just wanted to add that there is a good routine for Zig Zag Cig out there, right on Tenyo's own website:

http://www.tenyo.co.jp/magic_en/alllist/index.html

There used to be a rather elaborate routine for Clean Cut on YouTube as well, but unfortunately it seems to have dispappeared. If you play around a bit with the prop, you might come up with your own multi-phase routine. The one on YouTube had an "endless rope"-part, if I remember correctly.

Apart from that - enjoy your new addiction. I'm at the same place as you, only that I'm ten years older. So it doesn't get better with age ;-)
Richard Kaufman
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You will all the alternate routines and handlings (near or over 100) for Tenyo tricks, including the handlings for Clean Cut and Zig Zag Cig, in Tenyoism! www.kaufman.geniimagazine.com
Jitterbug
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Quote:
On Oct 16, 2015, Goldini wrote:
Jitterbug, I just wanted to add that there is a good routine for Zig Zag Cig out there, right on Tenyo's own website:

http://www.tenyo.co.jp/magic_en/alllist/index.html

There used to be a rather elaborate routine for Clean Cut on YouTube as well, but unfortunately it seems to have dispappeared. If you play around a bit with the prop, you might come up with your own multi-phase routine. The one on YouTube had an "endless rope"-part, if I remember correctly.

Apart from that - enjoy your new addiction. I'm at the same place as you, only that I'm ten years older. So it doesn't get better with age ;-)


Thanks Goldini,
I wish you lots of fun with you addiction, and a swift recovery as well, because it can get obsessive in a short time. I have collected 100+ Tenyo's in a few months, now it has slowed down, obviously (one has to eat as well) ;-) Quite satisfied at this point.
Jitterbug
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Quote:
On Oct 17, 2015, Richard Kaufman wrote:
You will all the alternate routines and handlings (near or over 100) for Tenyo tricks, including the handlings for Clean Cut and Zig Zag Cig, in Tenyoism! www.kaufman.geniimagazine.com


Looking forward to that, Richard, I will study the book in depth, hoping to discover some gems. I am on the order list...
Hookem
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I anxiously await my copy of Tenyoism (am on the advance list). FWIW, I have 250 tenyo items, lacking 10 of the T items (not counting Coin Coaster, which Richard says doesn't exist) and the 4 new items on order for 2016.
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