A Macao gaming tycoon paid an extraordinary $8.84m to stop the auction of a bronze horse head that was looted from Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) by British and French troops in 1860. The sale last week set a record in the trade of Chinese sculptures from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and will see the national treasure returned to the motherland after a show at Macao.

This weekend, visitors can gain appreciation of this cultural relic at an exhibition showing replicas of all 12 of the famous bronze statues symbolizing the heads of the animals of the Chinese zodiac. Together, they adorned a water clock fountain at Yuanmingyuan. All were robbed then - five remain missing.

The reproductions on show has an integrated style based on the aesthetic views of the early Qing Dynasty court. Particular effort was spent recreating the five lost original works. Referencing historical material and drawing on vast experience in restoring cultural relics, the artisans executed the sculptures under the original design of Qing court artist Giuseppe Castiglione (1688-1766).

Each head has been exquisitely cast. The creases on the skin and the fine hairs are presented with delicate technique, rendering a distinct and lifelike appearance. Materials used for the reproductions imitate the original red copper popular in the Qing period. The result is a reserved hint and sublime quality that will see these works stand the corrosion of the years.

The original symbolic heads were robbed by the Eight-Power Allied Forces in 1860. The heads of the ox, tiger, monkey and hog - and now the horse - have since been purchases by patrons and returned to China. The heads of the rat, hare are preserved by French museums, and those of the dragon, snake, sheep, cock and dog are still missing.

Yuanmingyuan was constructed from 1747 to 1759 under the design of European missionary Castiglione. The bronze statues formed part of an elaborate fountain. Each animal corresponded with one of the 12 Earthly Branches that form the traditional Chinese chronograph. With bronze heads of animals and stone bodies of humans, they crystallized the melding of Eastern and Western sculpture art.

Text by Wu Liping, photos by Jiang Dong

9am-5pm, until Sep 30. Beijing Jiguge, 136 Dongliulichang, Hepingmenwai, Xuanwu District. 6303-3897. 北京汲古阁, 和平门外东琉璃厂136号

(China Daily 09/27/2007 page20)