This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Featured here is an unused torch from the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. The design owes much of its inspiration to the concept of "Lucky Cloud," which represents the thousand-year-old Chinese culture of harmony between man and nature. The paper scroll shape demonstrates one of the greatest inventions China has presented to the world. The application of "China red", a special shade of red which was first used on lacquerware in China's Han Dynasty around 2000 years ago, distinguishes the Beijing Olympic torch from all previous examples.
The 2008 torch relay, named "Journey of Harmony" by the organizers, lasted 129 days and carried the Olympic flame 137,000 km (85,000 mi), making it the longest distance covered since the relay tradition started at the 1936 Berlin Games. Manufactured by the Lenovo Group of Beijing, the torch is made of red anodized aluminum and measures 28 inches (72 cm) long and 3" at its widest at the flame opening. "Beijing 2008" is inscribed both on the lovely red and silver spiraling section and on the plain red handle. The logo of these Games and the five Olympic rings appears near the top. This particular torch has never been lit or used--another rarity and often a more coveted trait--and presents in pristine condition. It comes in its original Beijing Games cardboard presentation box.