The original ‘Made in China’: World famous Lion of Venice sculpture was actually made 6,000 MILES away in Asia, analysis reveals

The Lion of Venice has looked down over the city’s Piazza for more than 700 years. An icon of political power, the bronze sculpture is even depicted on the Republic’s flag. But rather than being created in a Venetian foundry or European forge, it was actually made nearly 6,000 miles (9,650km) away in Asia, according to a new study. The Lion, which weighs approximately 3,000kg, was likely cast from copper obtained from the Lower Yangzi River basin in China, experts say. And instead of being inspired by Mesopotamian and Persian lion-headed griffins, it appears much more similar to tomb guardian…