Han Meilin

Han Meilin (simplified Chinese: 韓美林; traditional Chinese: 韩美林; pinyin: Hán Měilín; born 1936 in Jinan, Shandong) is a Chinese artist most recognized today for his creation of the Fuwa dolls for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Han is also known to have lived through hard times during the Cultural Revolution.

In 1955 he was admitted to the Central Academy of arts and design (中央工艺美术学院), now part of Tsinghua University. In 1960 he graduated.

Han is also known to have been tortured in the past. In a 2008 interview, Han admitted his tendon was cut during the Cultural Revolution. His thumbs became useless until later repaired by doctors.

In 1979, he was elected to the China Artists Association (中国美术家协会). He has also published influential work such as Baoguo Sanwen (包过散文, Bāoguò Sǎnwén). In 1980, he was in the United States, holding art exhibitions in 21 cities including Boston and New York City. He was given the key to the city of San Diego as an honorary citizen and the city of Manhattan declared October 1, 1980 as Han Meilin Day. In 1983 six of his work were printed on Christmas cards issued by the United Nations. He also gave lectures at Harvard university.

...
Wikipedia