Still-sealed official 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics torch, constructed of anodised aluminum and rubber, measuring 28.5″ in length and 3″ at its widest point, designed by Lenovo China and Aerospace Science & Industry, and manufactured by Zhongshan Vatti Gas Appliance Stock Co., Ltd. The curved shape of the torch embodies that of both a parchment scroll and a cloud, the latter an ancient decorative element from Chinese art which is found on buildings, sculptures, and furniture. The upper portion of the torch is covered in etched patterns of ‘propitious clouds’ and bears the Beijing logo and Olympic rings; its red color symbolizes the spirit of celebration, enthusiasm, and good fortune. The lower handle portion is inscribed “Beijing 2008,” and is layered with a fine rubber-based varnish, a finish specifically designed to improve grip and replicate the contact of human skin as if the torchbearer were holding a friend’s hand. Sealed and housed in its original Olympic box. The Olympic flame of the 2008 Olympics was lit on March 24, and was carried across the globe by a total of 21,800 torchbearers. Over the course of 130 days, the flame traversed over 85,000 miles, passing through every continent sans Antarctica, and even made its way to the summit of Mount Everest in a specially designed safety lamp. The Beijing torch relay has since become the longest of its kind since the tradition’s inception at the Berlin Games of 1936.
