Exhibit X - The Soul Jar

Introducing the X range—an evolving series of one-off creations, each produced alongside a current Reliquarium theme being worked on that month. These are not repeatable items. Once the theme shifts, so does the design, meaning no two months will yield the same artefacts.

A self-contained theatrical device housed in a museum-grade display case, Exhibit X is a compact evolution of The Hands of the Necromancer. At its core is a sealed canopic jar or vessel capable of apparent transmutation: sand into gold, water into wine, or even death into life by introducing dead insects or other organic matter that can be resurrected through ancient rituals. The best part? You can even reverse the effect if you wish.

The centrepiece of Exhibit X is the summoning of a spirit—an unsettling apparition that appears to rise from an empty, sealed jar. The release can be controlled to emerge slowly and ominously or to burst forth in a violent, dramatic fashion. This moment is fully remote-controlled and offers a powerful, theatrical visual to open a performance.

The spirit mechanism remains under the performer’s control at all times. The canopic jar is first shown to be sealed and completely empty—it can even be inspected. Once placed on the display base, an incantation is spoken... and the spirit materialises.

You remove the lid, revealing a strange, undulating mist within the jar. At your command, the spirit rises—either gently or with an explosive burst—into the room in the form of a swirling vortex. It’s a dramatic and unforgettable opening to your show.

The mechanism used is the same trusted system found in the Lebanon Circle classic: Crookes' Residual Ectometron.

The twist in the performance is that at the end, you realise you lack the spell or knowledge to return the spirit to the jar! Initially designed as a show opener, this effect is a striking visual that sets the tone for your entire show, sparks the audience's imagination, and establishes a powerful foundation for your performance. 

When not in use, the piece functions as an elegant illuminated display, suitable for inclusion in a cabinet of curiosities or as part of a themed set.

Dimensions H 400 W 160 D 160 (mm) 

What you receive -

• Antique Egyptian-style display case with RC lighting
• A Canopic Jar
• A pair of cotton gloves (for handling the ancient artefacts)
• Video tutorial and supporting documents
• Plus all of the items that make the magic happen