Vintage rocking horses have been the much loved toy of children for centuries. They have remained a popular present, and cherished heirloom still found in baby nurseries and playrooms the world over. But where did these wonderful toys comes from? The toys found in today’s antiques shops have a long and fascinating history. And like all great tales, the story of the rocking horse includes princesses and kings, children and most of all magic. The original version is said to have been inspired by the wheeled, wooden horses used by swordsmen during the middle ages. Though these wooden horses were not toys but training tools, they sparked the imagination of toy makers and led to the development of what we now know as the toy rocking horse. The traditional design which has become increasingly popular with children, complete with saddle details, rocking base, reins and painted accessories was introduced to well-to-do children in the middle of the 18th century.

In the 19th century, as a result of the industrial revolution, these toys started to be made in abundance and were accessible to families from all walks of life. However, the vintage rocking horse design so collectable today did not become popular until it was given “royal approval” from a very special young queen. Unlike other toys, as time went by, love for these horses did not dwindle, but rather grew and spread. The horse toys collected today range from elaborate carousel designs of the 18th century to more modern models which were mass-produced and purchased in the 1900s. If you are a collector interested in purchasing a vintage rocking horse, do your homework and enjoy the history! After all, it is the story behind a collection which really makes the magic come alive.

The Fushigi Ball is actually a form of art known as contact juggling. In contact juggling, a clear ball or multiple balls are being manipulated. These balls would appear to be they are floating by itself with the techniques used. Many of the tricks does require a bit of practice and experience to master and perform correctly. Some of the tricks and techniques used in contact juggling has actually been around for centuries. However the current day version of contact juggling began in the 1980′s when it had been made famous by a talented juggler named Michael Moschen.

The Fushigi Magic Gravity Ball is an modern version of a contact juggling ball with an improved design. It isn’t just a simple toy since the more advanced tricks does require some practice and skill to get right. However the easier ones can be done by almost anyone with a few tries and watching the tutorials in the included DVD. The design of the Fushigi is unique compared to other contact juggling balls. It is actually two balls built into one. The inner ball is a reflective sphere where the outside layer is a clear acrylic.This design helps improve the illusion of the tricks that are performed with it.

The Fushigi Ball is suggested for those who are 12 or older since younger children may have trouble using one, especially if their hands are too small. The recommended size for beginners is the ball that is 3 inches in diameter. There is a larger 4-inch ball that is heavier available for those those that are already skilled at contact juggling. Whether you are beginner, intermediate or advanced user, it is still important to take care of the Fushigi Ball and avoid having scratches on it. Scratches does not affect the actual usage but it can make some of the illusions performed appear to be less realistic. For minor scratches on the ball, you can fill them with a small amount of nail polish. When not using the Fushigi, it is recommended to place it in the carrying bag.