The image above shows three different types of scorpions, which are traditional Chinese toys used in a game called "Kicking the Scorpion." When choosing a scorpion, it's typically lifted vertically and then turned in the air. It's better to flip it for about a week. The chin rest has a diameter of 2.8 cm, but it tends to flip easily in the air, making it difficult to lift straight up. Controlling it isn't very convenient, and kicking out patterns is challenging. If the base is too large, the elasticity is low, making it hard to flip and resulting in a clumsy movement.
The feathers on the scorpion are usually between 12 to 15 cm long. If the feathers are too short, they're harder to control. The length of the feathers affects how well the scorpion can flip. The feather length depends on the weight of the base. A slightly heavier base requires longer feathers, while a lighter one needs shorter ones. In fact, you can estimate the weight of the base based on the feather length. The ideal design should be easy for the user to handle and control.
Here are a few methods for making a scorpion:
1. **Carving Method**
Materials: A piece of heavy cloth approximately 20 cm long and 0.7 cm wide, a copper plate with a diameter of 2.8 cm and thickness of 0.1 cm (or iron if unavailable), about 12 to 15 cm of soft bird feathers (like an eagle), and some glue. Tools needed include scissors and a hand drill.
Practice: Cut a small opening in the center of the cloth (Figure 127). Apply paste on one side of the cloth strip and let it dry. Then, punch a 0.4 cm hole in the center of the copper plate (Figure 128). Cross the copper plate with the cloth (Figure 129), insert the eagle feather into the hole, and tie it with a thread. This method is traditional in Beijing and results in a beautiful, elegant scorpion that’s great for performing various tricks.
2. **Feather Duster Method**
There are three variations of this technique.
- First variation: Use four to six chicken tail feathers, a copper coin, two small cloth strips, and about 60 cm of cotton thread. Cut the feather roots neatly, arrange them in four directions, bundle them with wire, and insert them into holes in the cloth strips. This version is visually appealing and suitable for performance but not for complex tricks like fishing or hanging bottles.
- Second variation: Use similar materials, but add small fluffs and sew everything together in a circular pattern. The result looks like a propeller and is more dynamic.
- Third variation: Incorporate larger feathers from a chicken, duck, or goose, along with a copper coin and cloth. Cut the large feathers into sections, fold them, and sew them onto the cloth. Insert smaller chicken feathers to form the scorpion. This type allows for easy replacement of broken feathers.
3. **Bottom System (Beijing Style)**
Materials: A 5–6 cm wide and 0.6 cm thick strip of contrasting color, a 3.5–4 cm diameter pito (a small wooden disc), a copper plate with a 0.6 cm inner hole, a 12–15 cm long soft raptor feather, and two pieces of cotton thread (80 cm and 20 cm).
Practice: Push the ends of the strip through the pito’s small holes, pass it through the copper plate, and bundle the feather roots into a match-head shape. Secure everything with thread. Adjust the pito size and copper weight until the scorpion flips smoothly and remains stable. Most finished scorpions weigh between 9–15 grams.
Making a good scorpion is no easy task. As a saying goes, “Stepping on a scorpion hurts more than stepping on me.†Guo Qizheng, in his book *Kicking the Scorpion*, notes that the quality of the scorpion reflects the skill of the player. The size, weight, and design of the scorpion vary depending on local traditions and playing styles. This bottom system is popular in Beijing, producing a beautiful, balanced, and versatile toy perfect for performances and creative tricks.
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