Sculpture Title: Yinglong Charting the Great Rivers
Location: Dayu Mythology Park, Hanyang Riverside Park, Wuhan, Hubei Province
Category: Urban Sculpture
Technique: Lost-wax precision casting
Dimensions: Height approx. 7–8 meters
The Figure of Great Yu :
Captured in a resolutely upright and commanding stance, Great Yu is depicted holding the lei (an ancient hydraulic spade). His expression radiates visionary leadership and indomitable will, portraying him not just as a worker, but as the supreme architect of the ancient world’s hydraulic transformation.
The Mythical Yinglong :
The dragon is rendered with a sinuous, muscular body and majestic wings fully outstretched. Its claws and tail are frozen in a state of dynamic propulsion, capturing the legendary act of “tailing the earth to carve the great rivers.” The intricate textures of the scales and feathers demonstrate Wensculp’s high-fidelity casting expertise, imbuing the creature with immense power and divine vitality.
Environmental Framing & Symbolism :
The pedestal serves as a theatrical base, utilizing stylized waves and rugged stonework to symbolize the churning primal floods and the newly forged riverbeds. This rhythmic interplay between the environment and the figures elevates the sculpture’s historical gravitas, creating an epic sense of scale for the entire urban riverfront.
Primary Medium:
Utilizing high-purity Cast Tin Bronze Alloy, the sculpture features an advanced oxidized antique finish (Deep Bronze). This premium medium is specifically engineered for superior weathering resistance, making it the ideal choice for the high-humidity conditions of the riverfront. It imparts a profound historical gravitas while providing a robust shield against long-term atmospheric corrosion.
Master-Level Lost-Wax Precision Casting:
This process guarantees the high-fidelity replication of every complex detail—from the commanding posture of Great Yu and the intricate textures of Yinglong’s scales to the rhythmic wave motifs of the base.
Hand-Polishing & Chemical Thermal Patination:
Following meticulous rounds of manual polishing, a specialized thermal patination protocol is executed to develop a uniform, deep-toned bronze patina. This process enhances the artwork’s visual depth while serving as a primary protective layer against environmental degradation.
Structural Engineering & On-Site Installation :
Standing approximately 7–8 meters tall (including the Granite Pedestal), the monument is anchored to a reinforced structural foundation. The installation ensures a seamless integration with the riverfront landscape, guaranteeing absolute structural stability for permanent outdoor display.
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.”