There's recently been some controversy over a new public sculpture in Portland's Chinatown, involving two symbols—a dragon and a wok:
Sculpture's portrayal of dragon, wok draws complaintsSome members of the Chinese community contend that the dragon, an ancient symbol that has come to represent the Chinese people, appears to be strangled by a steel collar. They also believe that an overturned wok at the base, located near the House of Louie restaurant, is symbolic of going out of business.
To remedy the situation, a plaque will be placed on the plinth that holds the sculpture, "giving people a frame of reference about the artist's intent." Who knew a red granite and stainless-steel dragon and a wok could rattle so many people? Not the artist, obviously:
Dragon design prompts roar in Chinatown
