Sun Yat-sen, Steel and granite sculpture in St. Mary's Square, San Francisco, United States.
Sun Yat-sen (Bufano) is a steel and granite sculpture located at the intersection of California and Kearny Streets in St. Mary's Square, standing approximately 14 feet tall. The polished metal figure rests on a granite base and serves as a focal point within this central plaza.
This artwork was created in 1937 during the Great Depression when the Federal Government commissioned artists through a public works program. Sculptor Beniamino Bufano produced it as part of this New Deal initiative to support American artists.
The sculpture depicts a leader revered in Chinese communities for establishing the modern Chinese nation, and it serves as a gathering point that reflects their heritage in San Francisco. This monument strengthens bonds between visitors and the local Chinese culture that has shaped the neighborhood for generations.
The sculpture is located on the western side of St. Mary's Square and is easily reached on foot from public transit. The plaza remains open throughout the day and offers surrounding amenities like cafes and shops where visitors can spend time.
The sculpture was commissioned by Chinatown merchants who sought to honor a revolutionary leader who transformed China in the early 1900s. This local sponsorship reveals how deeply this historical figure mattered to Chinese immigrants and their descendants in San Francisco.
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