Rezvani, Medjid Khan. Rezvani’s own Cups and Balls.

Rezvani, Medjid Khan. Rezvani’s own Cups and Balls. Paris, 1940s. Three shallow wooden bowls, two wooden wands, the cloth “tomatoes” and Rezvani’s two-volume work describing his routine, Les Coussinets de la Princesse ou Le jeu des tomates par l’image (“The Princess’ Pillows or The Tomato Trick”; Paris, 1950). One book inscribed and signed by the author. All items housed in a small brown suitcase owned by Rezvani. Bowls 4” diameter. Some wear evident to props from repeated use, but generally good condition. Considered the forerunner of the famous Benson Bowl, Rezvani was an Iranian who worked in Paris. His tomato trick was first published in 1940, and later in Victor Farelli’s book The Magic of Rezvani. Instead of cork balls, he used small red cloth pillows in the effect, which approximated the look of squat tomatoes. Hence, the name of the effect.