Monkey-Head, Human-Body Bronze Statue (The Twelve Chinese Zodiac Statues of Yuanmingyuan)

The original twelve zodiac bronze statues from Yuanmingyuan were designed with “animal heads and human bodies,” featuring copper heads and stone torsos, depicted in a seated posture and clad in ceremonial robes. This restoration draws upon comprehensive historical records, including the copperplate engravings in “Map of Changchun Garden at Yuanmingyuan.” The statues were commissioned by Italian missionary Giuseppe Castiglione and overseen by French engineer Jean-Baptiste de Villiers; they originally served as components of the “Water Clock” fountain in the Hall of Eternal Spring, with each zodiac animal spraying water to mark the hour. The animal heads were crafted in a highly realistic style, with intricate details such as folds and fine hairs meticulously rendered; the bronze was refined red copper sourced from the Qing court, renowned for its enduring resistance to corrosion over the centuries. The torso designs were inspired by the ceremonial robes and dignified postures characteristic of Qing Dynasty court sculpture.