Chinese sculptor Chen Zunshuang dies at age 93

Renowned Chinese sculptor Chen Zunshuang ( also known as Chen Yifan) passed away in Fuzhou, the capital city of Fujian Province, on Wednesday at the age of 93.

Known as the creator of a statue of Confucius officially recognized by Taiwan authorities, the artist is popular on both sides of the Straits.

His best- known works also include a bronze statue of former Kuomintang official Yu Yu- jen that was originally placed at the summit of Mount Yu in Taiwan but was later torn down by Taiwan independence extremists in 1996, as well as a series of other statues of veteran Kuomintang politicians and generals.

“Over the years, Mr. Chen was committed to cross- Straits artistic and cultural exchanges and gave great support to non- profit cultural undertakings. His passing is a huge loss to the Chinese community of culture and arts,” the China Confucius Foundation wrote in a statement.

Born in Changle, Fujian Province in 1924, Chen went to Taiwan in his early 20s while in the army. He began his art career after leaving the military.

He later returned to his hometown in 1988, spending his remaining days there as a professor at Minjiang University.

In 2010, he opened a studio dedicated to the creation of statues of Confucius, the first- ever sculpture studio co- sponsored by artistic communities on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

A funeral service was held near his home on Sunday.