Friendship Gate - Chinatown - Philadelphia, PA
by Susan Rissi Tregoning
Title
Friendship Gate - Chinatown - Philadelphia, PA
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The Friendship Gate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's Chinatown.
The Friendship Gate in Philadelphia's Chinatown symbolizes the cultural exchange and friendly relationship between Philadelphia and its twin city Tianjin in China. It was commissioned by the Department of Commerce and the Department of Public Property after the signing of the Port Agreement in Tianjin on November 11, 1982. Construction of the Gate took place during the winter season of 1983-84, and it was officially opened on January 31, 1984.
The Gate, America's first genuine Chinese Gate, was meticulously crafted by skilled artisans from China. Standing at a towering height of 40 feet and weighing around 88 tons, it is adorned with vibrant colors and intricate designs that evoke the grandeur of early Chinese imperial architecture. The Gate showcases mythical creatures and graphic patterns commonly found in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with various tiles depicting legendary animals. The phoenix, symbolizing good fortune, and the dragon, believed to possess the magical ability to retain water in its mouth, serve as protectors of both the structure and the community against fire. On either side of the Gate, four traditional Chinese characters spell out "Philadelphia Chinatown.
Copyright 2023 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
July 7th, 2023
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