2 reviews for Spirit Cabinet (“Sheishin no Cabinet”) by Collectors’ Workshop
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Spirit Cabinet (“Sheishin no Cabinet”) by Collectors’ Workshop
(c. 2003) (Submit Review) (Submit Update)Stewart James’ Sefalaljia was a ground breaking five phase routine when it appeared in issue 69 of The Jinx December 2, 1939. It was a truly magical effect and key to its success was the multiple phases of the routine which created a much stronger impression of magic than any single routine would do. George Robinson has followed in the tradition of James and created a wonderful multi-phase effect with his Spirit Cabinet (“Sheishin no Cabinet”).
Effect: In Japanese mythology a person’s soul may pass on to the life here-after in many forms. One such form is in the shape of a golden ball. The spirit of a Japanese warrior is immortalized by his family members within the magical “Sheishin no Cabinet” or “Spirit Cabinet”. Most family spirits are friendly and like to amuse their family members with their antics.
A polished brass rod is placed through the sides of the cabinet and a family ring placed on the floor ol the cabinet. The front doors are closed and when reopened the ring can now be found threaded onto the solid brass rod! This is an impossible feat for a mere mortal but not for the spirit that resides in the cabinet.
Next, a large brass ring is placed on the floor of the cabinet and the doors closed. The brass rod or wand is pushed through the sides of the cabinet and again, when the doors are opened it is found that the brass ring is also threaded onto the rod. Two cords are now threaded from opposite ends of the cabinet. They are proven to be solid and separate yet upon removing them from the cabinet they are seen to be linked together.
Finally, the Golden Ball or soul of the spirit Is set to one side of the cabinet and a simple wooden rice bowl is set on the opposite end. The doors are closed and anyone is allowed to open the doors and mysteriously the Golden Ball is now found resting INSIDE the rice bowl!
The Spirit Cabinet may be completely examined, if required. It is self-contained and comes with all the items necessary to perform the various rituals and effects, except for a borrowed wedding band or ring. This beautiful cabinet is finely fashioned of South American Walnut and select Maple. The bands are inlaid walnut and the solid brass escutcheon on the doors is custom crafted using the lost wax method of casting. The Golden Ball is hand made exclusively for this effect. The Cabinet measures: 10″ x 9″ x 4″
The chest is subtlety gimmicked in three places, and yes, you will need to read the instructions to find them. Quality accessories, some gimmicked, come with the chest to perform the SEVEN effects described in the well-written multi-page instructions.
Details on the effects:
- The first effect is the classic “Astro-Ball” done with a gold/black cloth ball and a turned wood Japanese bowl.
- “Ring on Wand” – borrowed ring followed by large brass ring penetrate solid brass wand running across the chest with tips clearly visible protruding on both walls. George added his own improvement to this old Grant effect.
- “Samurai’s Legacy”, a large Chinese coins and cord penetration effect.
- “Sefalaljia” – a classic single ring on cord using the “hook” method plus a bonus non-hook alternative called “Massecar Variation” is described.
- “Life’s Lesson/The Marriage Ceremony” is the two-loop rope linking effect popular in another apparatus, Dean’s Box.
- “Hindu Ring Mystery” by Eddie Joseph
- and “Block Cord“, done in style with this chest. The supplied block has a red lacquered finish with brass Chinese coins inlayed on 4 sides..very nice!
The effects are not necessarily “originals” but definitely first class acts in the context of this versatile chest. As mentioned in the instructions, the Spirit Chest represents a “unique theater”. It turns otherwise “simple” effects into a truly magical experience.
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Approx. Price: $325.00 (2004) ***
Notice: I am not a dealer and this item is not for sale on this site. It maybe available in the links below or at our sister site: qualitymagic.com, but not from here so please do not ask.© Martin's Magic (unless otherwise stated). All Rights Reserved.
Andy Martin –
Wow! This is incredible!
One look at the Collector’s Workshop Spirit Cabinet from Master Craftsman George Robinson makes you fall in love with beautiful magic all over again!
What a rare treat to open up a box and be totally blown away by the craftsmanship. Not only is this little cabinet incredible to behold, it comes with a box full of goodies too, with 9 pages of instructions and 7 routines. Talk about incredible value for your dollar.
This has to be one of the best buys in magic on all levels: value, sheer beauty, number of routines. I honestly don’t know how George can produce these at such a low price. You should get one before they run out.
I’ll post a longer review when I have studied the detailed instructions that come with this. In the meantime, if you have any doubts that Viking/Collector’s Workshop are producing some of the finest magic today – just buy this single piece and you will understand.
So very highly recomended, it hurts!
George Guerra –
George Robinson is to be congratulated on this one
This item took nearly a year to receive, but it was more than well worth it. When I first learned of this new CW item, I couldn’t believe the price. Rather than ordering online, I had to call George at Viking to verify the price and wasted no time to be the second person ordering it.
Well, the chest is a BEAUTY, practically museum quality, and a testament to skilled woodworking. The images on the Viking site definitely do not do justice to this prop. The choice of SOLID hardwoods is to be commended. Dark walnut contrasts wonderfully with the lighter colored maple. The maple used for the doors is matched, nicely grained, figured on one side, and inlayed with walnut accents..gorgeous. The Japanese design to the chest is most attractive and should get the stares.
The chest is subtlety gimmicked in three places, and yes, you will need to read the instructions to find them. Quality accessories, some gimmicked, come with the chest to perform the SEVEN effects described in the well-written multi-page instructions.
The first effect is the classic "Astro-Ball" done with a gold/black cloth ball and a turned wood Japanese bowl. Second, is "Ring on Wand" – borrowed ring followed by large brass ring penetrate solid brass wand running across the chest with tips clearly visible protruding on both walls. George added his own improvement to this old Grant effect. Third, is "Samurai’s Legacy", a large Chinese coins and cord penetration effect. Fourth, is "Sefalaljia" – a classic single ring on cord using the "hook" method plus a bonus non-hook alternative called "Massecar Variation" is described. "Life’s Lesson/The Marriage Ceremony" is the two-loop rope linking effect popular in another apparatus, Dean’s Box. The remaining two are old effects, "Hindu Ring Mystery" by Eddie Joseph and "Block Cord", done in style with this chest. The supplied block has a red lacquered finish with brass Chinese coins inlayed on 4 sides..very nice!
The effects are not necessarily "originals" but definitely first class acts in the context of this versatile chest. As mentioned in the instructions, the Spirit Chest represents a "unique theatre". It turns otherwise "simple" effects into a truly magical experience. A worthy addition to the CW line, I would have paid twice the asking price, if not more. Now, hopefully, ideas and new effects can be gathered, in due time, for a manuscript. What do you think, George?