Han Ping Chien (1891–1930) was a Chinese magician, whose popularity peaked during the later part of America's

vaudeville Vaudeville (; ) is a theatrical genre of variety entertainment which began in France in the middle of the 19th century. A ''vaudeville'' was originally a comedy without psychological or moral intentions, based on a comical situation: a drama ...

era (circa 1909) with his Peking Mysteries Troupe. Unlike the many Oriental conjurers who were really of

European European, or Europeans, may refer to: In general * ''European'', an adjective referring to something of, from, or related to Europe ** Ethnic groups in Europe ** Demographics of Europe ** European cuisine, the cuisines of Europe and other West ...

or American heritage, Han Ping Chien was indeed a Chinese magician, whose popularity was recognized during the later part of America's vaudeville era. It is believed that Han Ping Chien first began to perform

magic Magic or magick most commonly refers to: * Magic (supernatural), beliefs and actions employed to influence supernatural beings and forces ** ''Magick'' (with ''-ck'') can specifically refer to ceremonial magic * Magic (illusion), also known as sta ...

as a child while in his native China. His act consisted of "The Rice Box", "Multiple Silk Productions", "Appearing Chinese Parasols" and the popular "Production of Water Bowls". Han Ping Chien caused not just one bowl of water to appear, but several tall stacks of bowls. Following the early successes of

Ching Ling Foo Ching Ling Foo () was the stage name of the Chinese magician Chee Ling Qua (, 1854–1922). He is credited with being the first modern East Asian magician to achieve world fame. Biography Ching Ling Foo was born in Tianjin, Qing dynasty, on ...

Chung Ling Soo William Ellsworth Robinson (April 2, 1861 – March 24, 1918) was an American magician who went by the stage name Chung Ling Soo (). He is mostly remembered today for his extensive use of yellowface in his act to falsely represent himself to be ...

, and others who toured the world with an Oriental theme to their magic, Han Ping Chien left Asia and set out for Europe and the United States. With a traveling troupe many believed were made up of only family members, he presented his lavishly decorated Oriental act, always dressed in his native Chinese attire. He is also credited with inventing the Han Ping Chien coin magic move.

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Han Ping Chien's autographHan Ping Chien bibliographyPhoto of Han Ping Chien
Qing dynasty people 1891 births 1930 deaths Sleight of hand Coin magic Chinese vaudeville performers Chinese magicians {{magic-stub

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