BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhuanet) -- Professor Qi Gong of Beijing Normal University, well-known for his calligraphy, painting and Chinese culture studies, passed away at 2:00 a.m. Thursday in Beijing at the age of 93.

    A renowned Chinese calligrapher, Qi was the honorary president of Chinese Calligraphers' Association.

    Qi wrote a large number of calligraphic pieces and they can be seen on a host of landmark buildings, scenic spots around China and with many book titles.

    The old man was also known as a cultural relics connoisseur.

    In 1999, he was appointed director of the Central Research Institute of Culture and History for his great achievements in thestudies of the Chinese culture.

    He was elected vice chairman in 1989 and 1992 of the Central Advisory Committee of Jiu San (September 3) Society, a democratic party composed mainly of Chinese senior and middle ranking intellectuals in scientific and technological circles.

    At the same time, Qi was also elected member of the 6th to 9th National Committees of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

    Qi Gong was originally surnamed Aisin Giorro, an imperial clan name of Chinese Qin Dynasty (1644-1911). He also used Yuan Bai as his pen name.

    During his lifetime, the calligraphy master has written books concerning calligraphic theory and practice and the writing stylesof ancient Chinese characters. Enditem