Previous gifts to the United Nations
Chengdu-Kunming Railway Ivory Carving |
China presented the carving to the United Nations in 1974. Connecting Southwest China's Yunnan province and Sichuan province with more than 1,000 kilometers of line, the railway opened to traffic in 1970. The carving from eight elephant tusks reportedly took 98 artisans more than two years to craft. The sculpture is so intricate that the train includes tiny people.
Great Wall Tapestry |
Depicting lush forest, sunshine and the Great Wall spanning a mountain range, the tapestry has more than 5 million knots symbolizing China's prosperity and vitality. It was given to the UN headquarters in 1974.
Centenary Tripod |
China presented the Centenary Tripod to the UN on its 50th anniversary in 1995. Cast in bronze, the sculpture is 2.1 meters high and weighs 1.36 metric tons. The tripod is a traditional Chinese utensil that represents stability, tranquillity and peace.
Harmony Bell for Peace |
Ringing in the 60th birthday of the United Nations, the Harmony Bell for Peace was a gift from China on which the word "Harmony" was included in the UN's six official languages. Ammunition casings and metal collected and donated by schoolchildren were used to craft the bell, which is meant to encourage peace and harmony throughout the world.