Of the various Chinese folk and traditional toys, the diabolo is undoubtedly one of the most typical. It enjoys an 800-year-old history; and because it is easy to learn, to play, and to make, the diabolo was enormously popular in China during ancient times. The toy used to be a valuable festival gift for children from their parents. Although this traditional toy still exists today, very few people have a good mastery of it. Among the diabolo players in Beijing, Liu Zhenyu is an expert.
Liu was born into a famous family of diabolo players in the southern part of Beijing. The Liu family's love affair with the diabolo has existed for generations; and the family boasts a collection of more than a hundred diabolos of varied types that occupy half a room in Liu Zhenyu's home. He himself has been dubbed a "diabolo addict." When we mentioned diabolos, the 64-year-old retired engineer burst into excitement. According to him, he began to learn to play the toy from his father when he was a little boy, and as a primary-school student, he could already juggle the toy with skill and ease.
Liu has now grasped a variety of ways of playing. The diabolo has also influenced his love life. "I first met my wife when we worked for the same neighborhood," said Liu. "We often talked about diabolos, and this common interest drew us closer, leading us into romance."
Over the years, Liu has dedicated his life to the collection of diabolos and its popularization among his family and neighbors. The lingering sound of the diabolo has brought great joy and pleasure to their lives.
(China Pictorial February 25, 2003)
