When most people think of the lion they think of one of the most powerful, feared, and respected animals on the planet. In many cultures across the world, the lion is used as a symbol of strength, courage, and majesty.
Chinese sculpture Dengding Rui Yao was recently commissioned to create an absolutely massive redwood tree trunk and there was only one idea he had in mind – a lion. Rui Yao soon led a large team of 20 people to help sculpt and carve a magnificent lion out of this unbelievably gigantic tree trunk.
The lion sculpture is so large and so detailed, it took the team of 20 people three years to finish their breathtaking masterpiece.
Rui Yao started this major undertaking in the country of Myanmar and finally completed the sculpture with his team in December 2015. Oriental Lion is what this ferociously beautiful lion sculpture was titled.
The impressive sculpture didn’t stay in Myanmar for long before it ended up being transported to Wuhan, China (which was also a major undertaking in itself, check out the video below!).
Thousands of visitors come to view the Oriental Lion sculpture up close every year at its new home at Fortune Plaza Times Square.
Not only has the Oriental Lion become a major must-see tourist stop in China but it also made history for its size. The sculpture found its way into the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest redwood sculpture. It’s 47.5 feet long, 16.5 feet high, and 13 feet wide. It’s hard to imagine that there was a tree this large!
When you get a closer look at the Oriental Lion, it’s easy to see why so many people are in love with Rui Yao’s work. On the giant lion’s head, you can find jaw-dropping detail throughout the whole piece. The teeth, snout, whiskers, and mane were meticulously carved with unimaginable precision.
The torso of the magnificent lion has retained the natural, rugged texture of the redwood tree trunk.
In the Chinese culture and in their local folklore, the lion is known to be a protector and a guardian that fights off evil spirits. So, it’s only fitting that the beautiful monument now sits in the capital city of the Hubei Province in Central China. You’ll notice that in many temples and palaces in China, there will be lions greeting you at the entrance.
If you don’t think you’ll be able to make it all the way to Central China anytime soon, here’s a closer look at some photos of Rui Yao’s history-making and stunning sculpture.
Watch how Rui Yao’s team was able to transport this absolutely massive sculpture in the video below.
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