He is one of the most revered figures in Chinese history, a philosopher whose teachings spread not only across East Asia, but have also influenced popular western culture.
An art exhibition devoted specifically to Confucius, and to the ideals he not only espoused but also embodied, seems especially timely and relevant now, when economies around the world are in chaos and communities are in conflict about their place in society.
The Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, on the outskirts of Los Angeles, has given its Confucius exhibition, which runs until January 11 next year, the subtitle: 'Shaping Values Through Art'.
Artists from different eras in history to the present day offer their views on Confucius through about 60 individual exhibits - a combination of woodblock prints, photography, textiles and porcelain pieces - laid out in three rooms in the scenic and tranquil building.
The anchor exhibit, Confucius and Disciples, is an early 20th century woodblock print, ink and colour on paper showing the great man surrounded by a quartet of learners, various writing implements on a desk in front of him.
Those themes - of scholarliness, education, discipline - are evident throughout, dating as far back as a 1687 reproduction entitled Confucius Sinarum Philosophus and depicting the teacher as a towering figure in what appears to be a well-stocked library. The black-and-white drawing originated in France, indicating the extent of his renown.