Sculpture Title: Great Yu Inspecting the Nine Tripods by Chariot
Location: Yu the Great Mythological Park, Hanyang Riverside Park, Wuhan, Hubei Province
Category: Urban Sculpture
Technique: Lost-wax precision casting
Dimensions: Height approx. 8 meters, Length approx. 13.5 meters
Sculptural Expression
The Figure of Great Yu :
Captured in a resolute and commanding posture, Great Yu stands upright as the central anchor of the composition. With one hand firmly grasping the lei (an ancient hydraulic tool) and the other masterfully controlling the reins, his steadfast gaze radiates an aura of solemnity and visionary leadership.
The Dragon-Horse Chariot:
The chariot is drawn by four winged Dragon-Horses (Longma), depicted in full gallop with heads held high. Churning waves surge beneath their hooves while the wheels are intricately rendered to resemble auspicious spinning clouds. This masterful arrangement is charged with immense dynamic tension, symbolizing the celestial authority of Great Yu as he “soars through the mists” to oversee the Nine Provinces.
Primary Medium: Cast Tin-Bronze Alloy
The sculpture is fabricated from premium Cast Tin-Bronze Alloy, featuring an expert oxidized antique finish that yields a rich, deep bronze tone. This medium is engineered for exceptional weathering resistance, specifically optimized for the high-humidity conditions of riparian environments. The substantial weight and authentic aged patina evoke a profound sense of historical gravitas, imbuing the masterpiece with a truly monumental presence.
Fabrication & Engineering Specifications
- Precision Lost-Wax Investment Casting:
The monument utilizes large-scale lost-wax casting protocols to ensure the high-fidelity replication of Great Yu’s anatomical musculature, the intricate scale and feather textures of the dragon-horses, and the complex geometries of the chariot wheels and base. - Manual Finishing & Chemical Thermal Patination:
Post-casting, each surface undergoes multiple stages of meticulous manual polishing. A specialized chemical thermal patination process is then executed to develop a uniform, deep-bronze oxide layer. This finish provides superior aesthetic depth while serving as a robust shield against environmental corrosion. - Monumental Scale & Structural Stability:
Standing approximately 8 meters high and 13.5 meters long, with a total mass of 20 tons, the sculpture is anchored to a reinforced granite pedestal. This engineering ensures absolute long-term structural stability for permanent outdoor display and achieves a seamless contextual integration with the riverfront plaza environment.
The cornerstone installations of the Wuhan Great Yu Mythology Park comprise a curated collection of monumental masterpieces, including Great Yu Inspecting the Nine Tripods by Chariot, Slaying Xiangliu, Yinglong Charting the Rivers, The Nine-Tailed Fox Acting as Matchmaker, The Admonition Drum, and The Mighty Deluge. Masterfully orchestrated to create a harmonic visual dialogue, these sculptures provide a comprehensive artistic realization of the epic theme: “The Unification of the Nine Provinces.”