Source: CCTV.com

10-02-2008 13:57

Beijing's Olympic Park is open to the public during the National Day Holidays, and one sculpture at the site is attracting a lot of attention.

In the sunken garden of the central Olympic Park, a lively game of polo is taking place.The lead poloist is Tang dynasty emperor Li Longji.(CCTV.com)

It's the only sculpture there designed with to fit the local environment. It's a group sculpture entitled, "The Tang Emperor Playing Polo."

In the sunken garden of the central Olympic Park, a lively game of polo is taking place.

The players are cast in bronze. Their lineage follows strictly, the royal line.

The lead poloist is Tang dynasty emperor Li Longji. In his time he was often called the King of Polo. The emperor's side is completed by his concubine Yang Yuhuan and six other players.

The group sculptures are crafted in the Tang Dynasty style. Facial features are enhanced by a thin layer of gold.

The sculptor adds a personal touch, with a peony blossom in the hair of each female player. The flowers are symbolic of the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. The bronze is capable of retaining its brilliant color even under harsh conditions imposed by weather and time.

The sculptures seem to melt into the ancient archways and brick walls of the square. The setting is reminiscent of a polo match at the Imperial court.

The emperor's side is completed by his concubine Yang Yuhuan and six other players.(CCTV.com)

The sculptures are drawing enthusiastic spectators, who are able to view the scene from a raised platform.

The commentator for the match is the sculpture's creator, renowned Chinese female sculptor Huang Jian.

Huang Jian, Sculptor, said, "Polo was included in Olympic competitions in 1908, 1920, 1924 and 1936. It's an ancient game, whose origin is found in China. During the Tang dynasty, polo reached its peak in China. It used to be a popular sport among members of the army and the imperial family."

Zhang Yuanrui, Vice President of Chinese Culture & Art Assoc., said, "A grand occasion gives rise to grand designs. This work needed great talent to accomplish. The art must be capable of complementing the surrounding environment. This group sculpture is an example. The sculpture holds strong cultural significance and it fits perfectly into the environment. "

The sculptures are part of a research project initiated by the Ministry of Construction in 2006. The project seeks to identify representative public art, for the purpose of beautifying public settings all over China. China.

 

Editor:Zhang Pengfei