Chinatown Friendship Gate - Philadelphia, PA
by Susan Rissi Tregoning
Title
Chinatown Friendship Gate - Philadelphia, PA
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The Friendship Gate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's Chinatown.
The Friendship Gate in Chinatown represents the cultural interchange and amity shared between Philadelphia and its Chinese twin city, Tianjin. Established after the signing of the Port Agreement in Tianjin on November 11, 1982, the Department of Commerce and the Department of Public Property were responsible for commissioning the Gate. The Gate, constructed during the winter season of 1983-84, was officially inaugurated on January 31, 1984.
Crafted by skilled artisans from China, The Gate is the first authentic Chinese Gate in America. It boasts a height of 40 feet and a weight of approximately 88 tons, adorned with vivid colors and intricate designs reminiscent of early Chinese imperial construction. The Gate features mythical creatures and graphic patterns typical of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with various mythical animals depicted on tiles. The phoenix symbolizes good luck, while the dragon, believed to have the magical power of retaining water in its mouth, protects the structure and the community from fire. On both sides of the Gate, four traditional Chinese characters spell "Philadelphia Chinatown."
Copyright 2023 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
June 13th, 2023
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