Smiling with a Son Born to a Wife 50 Years Younger... 87-Year-Old Painter Cuts Ties with Other Children

87-Year-Old Painter Marries Fourth Wife 50 Years His Junior
Announces Birth of Son, Cuts Ties with Previous Children Amid Family Discord

Fan Zeng, who is regarded as the greatest living Chinese calligrapher and painter, recently announced the birth of his biological son and declared that he would sever ties with his existing children, bringing ongoing family conflicts back into the spotlight. Following his marriage to Xu Meng, who is 50 years younger, and a kidnapping rumor incident, controversy surrounding his family relationships has reignited.

Famous Chinese painter Fan Zeng (87) and his fourth wife Xu Meng (37). Weibo capture

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on December 16, Fan Zeng recently revealed on social media that he had a son. Previously, Fan Zeng was known to have one biological daughter and two stepchildren from three earlier marriages. The son born this time is his first biological son with his fourth wife, Xu Meng, whom he married last year.

Announcing the Birth of His Biological Son... "Severing Ties with Other Children"

Fan Zeng stated, "My wife Xu Meng, our son, and I are happily building a new home together," adding, "As I grow older, I have decided to entrust all future household matters and daily life to my beloved wife. No one else has the right to interfere in this." By announcing the birth of his biological son and simultaneously declaring that he would cut ties with his existing children, he further fueled the controversy.

Kidnapping and Disappearance Rumors... Unending Reports of Family Discord

Conflicts between Fan Zeng and his children have already been made public several times. In August last year, his biological daughter Xiao Hui claimed on social media that her father had been kidnapped by Xu Meng and had gone missing, and that calligraphy and antiques had disappeared, sparking widespread controversy.

Famous Chinese painter Fan Zeng (87) and his fourth wife Xu Meng (37). Weibo capture

However, the following day, Fan Zeng's stepson released photos of Fan Zeng and Xu Meng attending an exhibition together, putting an end to the kidnapping rumors. Chinese police also stated, "No reports related to kidnapping have been received." At the time, those involved explained, "This was a misunderstanding and conflict among family members that arose during the moving process and was blown out of proportion."

Four Marriages... Remarried to a Wife 50 Years Younger

Born in Jiangsu Province, Fan Zeng studied traditional Chinese painting at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing in the 1960s and established himself as a representative figure in modern Chinese calligraphy and painting. Since his first marriage in 1963, he went through three divorces and remarriages, and his third wife, Zhang Guiyun, passed away in 2021.

His current wife, Xu Meng, previously worked as a host for China Traffic Radio. She met Fan Zeng through a broadcast, later became his assistant, and eventually developed a romantic relationship with him. Their marriage attracted significant attention due to the 50-year age gap.

Famous Chinese painter Fan Zeng (87) and his fourth wife Xu Meng (37). Weibo capture

Total Artwork Sales Reach 830 Billion Won... A Master of the Chinese Art World

Fan Zeng is recognized as one of the top painters and calligraphers in China. From 2008 to 2024, his works have achieved cumulative sales of 4 billion yuan (approximately 830 billion won), with at least 10 pieces selling for over 10 million yuan each at auction. One of his works from 1991 was sold for 18.4 million yuan at a Beijing auction in 2011.

His status as a calligrapher is also firmly established. His calligraphy works are traded at about 200,000 yuan per 0.11 square meters, and he is so influential in China that he was entrusted with the calligraphy exhibition of classical phrases quoted by President Xi Jinping.