Chinese artist Fan Zeng, 87, ‘taken away’ by new wife, valuable works missing: daughter
Fan, one of China’s most influential calligraphers and painters, married TV presenter reportedly 50 years his junior last year
Prominent Chinese artist Fan Zeng has been “taken away” by his new wife and most of his valuable possessions have also “gone missing”, his daughter has alleged.
“Rumours have circulated online recently claiming my father, Fan Zeng, was forcibly removed from his home and has since gone missing,” Fan Xiaohui said in a social media post on Saturday.
“As his daughter, I want to first thank everyone for their concern, but I am deeply anxious about his health and safety.”
Fan Zeng, 87, announced his marriage to Xu Meng, who is reportedly 50 years his junior, last year. He has been married a few times, and his previous wife died several years ago.
Xu is 37 and a TV presenter for state media, according to Chinese media reports.
Fan’s daughter said she lost track of him after they last met in early July. She had been overseas since but was shocked to find his Beijing house sealed and empty upon her recent return, according to her post.