The copper used in the bronze statue of the animal head in Yuanmingyuan is alloy copper specially refined for the court, which contains many precious metals. Like the bronze cranes displayed in the Forbidden City and Summer Palace in Beijing. Dark color and clean connotation. It is necessary that it will survive the wind and rain without rusting.
Secondly, it was elaborately made by palace craftsmen who specially served the emperor. The foundry worker finished it, and the surface was carved with a fine chisel. Details such as animal fluff are chiseled and forged, clear and realistic. The key parts such as nose, eyes and ears, as well as the wrinkles on the nose and neck are very delicate, showing a very high level of craftsmanship.
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The origin of bronze statue
The bronze statue of the Chinese zodiac at Haiyan Hall in the West Building of Yuanmingyuan was designed and made for Emperor Qianlong under the guidance of French Catholic missionaries. It is understood that Emperor Qianlong once saw western stone buildings, fountains and various decorations in books painted with western palaces, and was deeply attracted at once.
So he decided to build this kind of palace in Yuanmingyuan and appointed Italian missionary and court painter Lang Shining to design it. Lang Shining recommended the French priest Michel Neust to design a fountain with a unique western style, namely the "hydraulic clock". BeNeust is not only a mathematician and astronomer, but also has knowledge of hydraulics. This group of works won the favor of Emperor Qianlong.
Baidu Encyclopedia-bronze statue of the animal head of the 12 Zodiac in Yuanmingyuan
Baidu encyclopedia-bronze statue of horse's head