Famous Lion of Venice sculpture was actually made in CHINA

"The Lion of Venice has looked down over the city's Piazza for more than 700 years. An icon of political power, the bronze sculpture is even depicted on the Republic's flag. But rather than being created in a Venetian foundry or European forge, it was actually made nearly 6,000 miles (9,650km) away in Asia, according to a new study. The Lion, which weighs approximately 3,000kg, was likely cast from copper obtained from the Lower Yangzi River basin in China, experts say."

"There are no known written records pertaining to the origins of the famed sculpture, despite its importance to Venice's culture and history. However, the new findings even indicate it may have been transported to Venice from Khanbaliq - modern Beijing - by Marco Polo's father, Niccolò. 'We don't know when the sculpture arrived in Venice, where it was reworked, who did it, or when it was erected on the column where it is still visible today,' Dr Vidale said."

The bronze Lion of Venice has stood over the city's Piazza for more than 700 years and weighs approximately 3,000kg. The sculpture appears on the Republic's flag and served as an icon of political power. Lead isotope analysis of samples links the copper used to cast the statue to ore mined in the Lower Yangzi River basin in China, implying production nearly 6,000 miles (9,650 km) from Venice. Visual analysis shows substantial reworking, including removal of horns and altered posture, making the original form closer to Tang Dynasty tomb guardians (zhènmùshòu). Evidence suggests the piece may have been transported from Khanbaliq, possibly by Niccolò Polo, while the dates of arrival and reworking remain unknown.

Read at Mail Online