Close-Up Magic
The Magic of Tenyo
Penetro-Coin (T-37). Tenyo, 1969.
A borrowed coin is dropped beneath a handkerchief into a glass. The coin vanishes and is discovered inside a bag contained within two nested containers.
Complete with the original box, instructions, and unused contents. The contents were removed from the original packaging for photography only. Box shows minor shelf wear consistent with age. Contents remain unused. Excellent condition.
Hyper Vision. Tomoyuki Shimomura. Tenyo, 1989.
A classic Tenyo mentalism effect created by Tomoyuki Shimomura in which a spectator appears to develop extraordinary mindreading abilities, correctly identifying a freely selected ESP symbol under seemingly impossible conditions. One of Tenyo’s more memorable presentations of an ESP-themed effect, combining an engaging premise with the company’s signature inventive design.
Retains the original blister packaging with printed backing card, five ESP symbol plates, red plastic holder, and original instruction sheet. Created by Tomoyuki Shimomura, with instructions by Gary Ouellet.
Card exhibits light shelf and handling wear, including minor corner wear and age toning to the reverse. Blister remains sealed. Very good condition overall.
The Midas Machine. Tenyo, Tokyo, Japan, ca. 1981.
A clever and visually engaging Tenyo effect designed by Hiroshi Kondo in which a blank slip of paper is placed into a miniature “money printing machine” and visibly transforms into a banknote. A charming example of Tenyo’s inventive approach to compact magic apparatus from the early 1980s.
Presented in the original package with illustrated backing card and instructions. Packaging shows expected age-related wear, including light spotting and handling wear. A staple at the bottom of the backing card suggests the package may have been previously opened. Retains an original Top Hat Magic price tag to the packaging. Apparatus appears well preserved overall.
Coin Through Match. Tenyo, Japan, late 20th century
Tenyo pocket illusion in which a coin dropped into a small plastic case passes through a wooden match inserted through the side. When the apparatus is handed to the spectator, the effect cannot be repeated. Complete with original box and instructions. Very good condition.
Crystal Pyramid (T-165). Tenyo, 1994.
A mysterious altar featuring a colored box at its center, encased within a crystal-clear pyramid. A marked borrowed coin is placed on the altar, outside the pyramid. Then, the unseen forces of magic take over. Covering the pyramid with a small handkerchief, the magician invokes the unknown, and in an instant, the coin impossibly appears inside the box, locked within the pyramid itself. Minor wear to outer packaging. Otherwise in new old stock condition.
Flash Dice (T-72). Tenyo, ca. 1976
Six dice are dropped into the case and given a shake, yet when the lid lifts, they’ve arranged themselves perfectly from one to six. Original instructions included. Damage to original packaging.
A blank strip of paper visibly and mysteriously transforms into real currency as it passes through the Midas Machine. This is one of Tenyo’s most visual and talked-about effects—ingenious in method and simple to perform. No instructions.
T-169. Tenyo, 1994
A spectator’s coin is placed into a small transparent holder attached to a keychain. The holder is slid into a frame, and impossibly, the magician pushes a key straight through the center of the coin—metal passing visibly through metal. Yet, when removed, the coin is shown unharmed. Created by Atsushi Fukano, this clever penetration effect was released in 1994 as part of Tenyo’s popular line of pocket miracles. Original packaging, previously opened, contents in excellent condition.
K & A (Kings & Aces T-13). Fantasio & Tenyo , ca. 1970s
A visual packet effect from Fantasio and Tenyo. The magician announces he will perform with just two cards—revealed to be the two Black Kings. In an instant, they transform into the Red Kings. Suspecting more than two cards are in play, the audience presses further. The performer agrees, spreads the packet, and now all four cards have changed into the four Aces. Includes photo-illustrated instructions and cards in new old stock condition. A scarce and hard to find Tenyo release.
See Through Card (T-77). Tenyo, ca. 1970s
A spectator selects a card and the magician then displays a transparent case containing the four of diamonds—clearly not the chosen card. A thin clear plate is shown, placed into the case, and the box is closed. When reopened, the pips from the four have vanished from the case and impossibly “printed” themselves onto the once-blank plate, which now reveals the five of diamonds. Created by Shigeru Sugawara and long discontinued by Tenyo. New old stock in very good condition.
Soft Coins (T-108). Tenyo, 1981
A classic Tenyo illusion allowing ordinary pencils to penetrate solid coins—yet everything can be examined. In original sealed packaging with instructions. Wear to upper left front wrapper. Uncommon.
Angel’s Coin (T-2). Tenyo, ca. 1960 - 1970s
Tenyo’s first coin effect, modeled after the German Coin Box and a forerunner of the Okito and Boston boxes. The company’s revised design featured added depth and a sleeker profile, improving both handling and appearance. Coins may appear, vanish, or pass through solid objects. Scarce.
Tenyo Color Fantasy (T-67)
Five large cards are kept in a case. Each card has a circle of different color in the center of it's face. Cards are shown to the spectator one by one and placed face down on the rack, and the last card returned back to the case with its face being inside.
With some magic words, the cards on the rack are taken up and their faces are shown. There, strangely each colored circle on the card has changed to a square of the same color. Then, the face of the last card in the case is shown, magically five circles appear on it instead of a circle.
Tenyo Card Case (T-40), ca. 1970
A versatile utility prop from Tenyo’s early line. With this clever case you can perform a variety of effects: a card can vanish completely, appear at command, change its suit, or even be restored after being torn. Compact and easy to use, it embodies the ingenuity that made Tenyo a household name among magicians.
Offered here in new old stock condition, complete with the original illustrated box, instructions, and a vintage Magic Shop price sticker still affixed—a wonderful period detail for collectors.
Tenyo Illusion Truck T-241 — Pristine, Factory Sealed
A clever miniature magic trick from Tenyo’s sought-after Magic Collection. Make the included lion figurine vanish inside a handkerchief, then instantly reappear inside the seemingly empty toy circus truck. Its ingenious built-in gimmick creates an impressive stage-style illusion right on your tabletop.
Made in Japan and created by Takayuki Kumazawa, with instructions by Steve Cohen.
This example is in pristine condition and remains unopened in its original blister packaging. The package includes the gimmicked toy truck, lion figurine, and instructions.