Han Meilin ends show with gift to museum

Chinese artist Han Meilin donates his works to the National Museum of China, Feb 12, 2017. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Chinese artist Han Meilin, 80, donated 80 works, including paintings, calligraphic pieces and his designs of zisha teapots and furniture, to the National Museum of China on Sunday, the last day of a two-month-long solo exhibition World of Meilin at the Beijing museum.

Han, known for designing the Fuwa mascots for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, donated 20 artworks to the same museum in 2011.

He also announced at the donation ceremony that he will hold two separate exhibitions in Paris on March 8, one at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and another at China Cultural Center.

Han was awarded a UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2015 for his efforts in promoting art and providing artistic education to youth.

Han is also holding an exhibition at the Venice International University in Italy through Feb 28. On display are some of his iconic works that incorporate folk elements and ancient epigraphs.

Also at the donation ceremony, Han was designated as the chief art adviser by World Wildlife Fund China. He unveiled the Chinese motif that he wrote in the calligraphic style for WWF’s upcoming Earth Hour day on March 25.