juggling with multiple items; tossing and catching performance
Traditional Japanese street performance where the performer tosses several objects into the air and catches them. Often associated with Edo-period entertainers.
The street performer showed off his juggling act.
sleight of hand; magic trick
Extended meaning referring to general magic or sleight of hand, likely derived from the dexterity of the original juggling performance.
The audience was amazed by his sleight of hand.
The term combines 品 (item, article) and 玉 (ball, bead), literally 'item balls', referring to the objects used in the juggling act. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.