RTR3J35Y.jpg (Photo : Reuters)
A series of performances by a giant mechanical composite of a dragon and a horse was among the highlights of the 50th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between China and France.
Happening from Oct. 17 to 19 at the Beijing National Olympic Park, the celebration was part of the commemoration of the historic diplomatic agreement between the two countries in January 1964.
The iron dragon-horse figure was a gift from France to China and made especially for this occasion. The figure, 40 feet high and weighing 45 tonnes, is called LongMa Jingshen or "Spirit of the Dragon Horse." It was designed by French artist Francois Delaroziere and built by the La Machine Association of France.
The performances of the giant horse-dragon were based loosely on the Chinese creation myth of the goddess Nuwa, according to New Straits Times. The horse-dragon, as per the tale, was the envoy of the goddess, who brought order back to the world when chaos erupted after one of heaven's pillars broke loose.
"It's puppetry on a grand scale," said Isa, who was part of the team that controlled the robot.
LongMa "can stand on his hind legs, his tail moves, he can gallop, and of course, fire comes from his mouth; it's a real dragon," said its creator Delaroziere.
Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, France's new ambassador to China, expressed delight over the symbolism presented by the horse-dragon with regard to the relationship between China and France.
"Relationships between our two countries are largely based on a very ancient cultural affinity, a mutual attraction," Gourdault-Montagne said. The show embodied "the spirit of China itself," the ambassador added.
