Da Tung and Xi'an Bao Bao, Bronze sculpture in North Park Blocks, Portland, US
Da Tung and Xi'an Bao Bao is a 2002 bronze sculpture at Northwest Park Avenue and West Burnside Street in the North Park Blocks. It measures 135 by 77 by 168 inches and shows a small elephant standing on the back of a larger one, both with raised trunks. The surface is decorated with cloud patterns and animals from ancient Chinese mythology.
The 2002 bronze was cast by the Five Rings Bronze Foundry in Xi'an, China, and installed at Northwest Park Avenue and West Burnside Street in Portland's North Park Blocks. It is a replica, about sixteen times larger than its model, of a late Shang dynasty wine vessel of roughly 1200–1100 BC. Huo Baozhu donated the work; the sculptor is unknown.
The name has two readings: "Da Tung" can mean "universal peace" or "large bronze", while "Xi'an Bao Bao" means "baby elephant". The young elephant stands on the adult's back, a symbol of safe and prosperous offspring. The Regional Arts & Culture Council calls the piece playful, noting its nods to diversity in generations, activities and cultures.
The sculpture is located between West Burnside and Northwest Couch streets in an accessible park near downtown. A children's playground nearby makes it easy to include in a walking tour of the city center.
The replica was donated by Huo Baozhu and is about sixteen times larger than the late Shang dynasty wine pitcher (circa 1200–1100 BC) that inspired it. The original vessel is a bronze elephant-shaped zun, and the Portland elephants keep their trunks raised.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,105 contributors worldwide.