Jin Haiqing – Inheritor of Folk Juggling in Eshan County, Yuxi 

Personal Profile

Jin Haiqing (靳海清), male, of Han ethnicity, was born in 1922 and resides at No. 63 Ximen, Dianzhong Town (甸中镇), Eshan County (峨山县), Yuxi City (玉溪市). From a young age, he displayed a strong interest in performing arts, always seizing any opportunity to watch, learn, and imitate performances. In 1945, Jin Haiqing helped form the “Wanyou Troupe” (“玩友班”), which performed Dian Opera (滇戏), Lantern and Clamp Opera (灯夹戏), and folk acrobatics at weddings, funerals, and local markets.

Legacy and Contributions

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the “Wanyou Troupe” was disbanded. Jin Haiqing was once subjected to re-education through labor for a year. After his rehabilitation, he seldom participated in performances but was often invited to assist with organizing weddings and funerals.

In 1983, at the invitation of the Dianzhong Cultural Station (甸中文化站), he began designing and crafting props for folk acrobatics for local rural cultural performances. His creatively designed props—such as shells, kingfishers, mules and donkeys, colorful boats, and Huotou Maomao (火头猫猫, a type of mask)—have been showcased in multiple county and regional art performances and festivals, gaining widespread recognition.

Currently, Jin Haiqing serves as the chief designer and creator of folk acrobatic props and performances in Dianzhong Town. His props and shows are beloved by the local community.

Method of Inheritance

Jin Haiqing has passed on the art of folk acrobatics by actively participating in local cultural events and festivals. His designs preserve the essence of traditional crafts while incorporating modern creativity, enriching both the form and content of folk acrobatics in Dianzhong Town. Thanks to his efforts, these traditional performances have continued to shine in regional cultural showcases, playing a vital role in the preservation and development of this folk art.

Features of Jin Haiqing’s Acrobatics Props

1. Combination of Tradition and Innovation

Jin Haiqing’s acrobatic props maintain the core essence of traditional designs while incorporating innovative elements. For example, his creations—such as shells, kingfishers, mules and donkeys, colorful boats, and Huotou Maomao (火头猫猫 masks)—preserve the traditional aesthetics in shape but also include modern craftsmanship and presentation styles. These props have been warmly received at various regional and local cultural events.

2. Diverse Range of Props

Jin Haiqing’s props span a wide variety of types used in traditional acrobatic performances. Each prop features unique characteristics in form, function, and performance context. For example:

• Shells: Exquisitely designed and brightly colored, commonly used for decorative purposes in performances.
• Kingfishers: Lifelike with vibrant feather colors, enhancing the visual appeal.
• Mules and Donkeys: Finely crafted with well-proportioned dimensions, often used in riding skits.
• Colorful Boats: Uniquely shaped and ornately decorated, suitable for both land and water performances.
• Huotou Maomao Masks: Exaggerated designs and strong color contrasts provide a striking visual impact.

3. Exquisite Craftsmanship

Jin Haiqing is known for his meticulous attention to detail in the making of his props. He emphasizes not only the overall appearance but also material selection, crafting techniques, and decorative details. For instance, his shell props are not only realistic in shape but also finely carved and painted, adding a sense of realism and artistry to the performances.

4. Cultural Symbolism

Beyond aesthetics and functionality, Jin Haiqing’s props are rich in cultural meaning. They reflect the unique cultural characteristics and folk customs of the Yi ethnic group (彝族) in the local area. For example, the Huotou Maomao mask draws inspiration from traditional Yi beliefs and folk legends, embodying deep symbolic significance.

5. Broad Social Impact

His props and performances have appeared frequently in regional and county-level cultural festivals and celebrations, earning widespread popularity among the public. Jin Haiqing’s designs have elevated the artistic quality of acrobatic shows and played an important role in preserving and promoting Yi ethnic culture (彝族文化).

Through these distinctive features, Jin Haiqing has not only inherited the traditional craftsmanship of folk acrobatics props but also revitalized the art form in contemporary society, making it an integral part of cultural heritage in Dianzhong Town (甸中镇), Eshan County (峨山县).

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