At the age of 86, few things can ruffle the feathers of Han Meilin or cause butterflies in his stomach. But receiving an invitation to create an inscription for his beloved teacher's art studio still managed to get his nerves jangling.

Following a busy morning spent preparing some calligraphic paper, grinding the ink and washing his brush pen, Han stood in front of a wide desk contemplating his next move. After quieting his nerves, Han carefully wrote the following words, "Zhou Lingzhao Art Studio."

In honor of his great contributions to the work of artistic and visual image design in the early days of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Zhou Lingzhao, 103, has been acclaimed as a "designer of the national image," "a pioneer in public art" and "the first man in the design field of the PRC."

Zhou's representative works include the designs of the dome lights of the Great Hall of the People and the costumes of the 10 marshals of the People's Liberation Army, as well as the huge painting of Chairman Mao Zedong that was hung on the rostrum at Tian'anmen Square during the founding ceremony of the PRC.

In 1955, Zhou Lingzhao served as the head teacher of Han's class when the young prodigy was accepted by the Central Academy of Fine Arts. After 67 years, Han, now an established artist in his own right, used elegant calligraphic strokes to write the name of the art studio created in honor of his cherished teacher, in tribute to Zhou's guidance and support all those years ago.

"Once a teacher but a teacher for life" is an old Chinese saying often cited by Han.

Despite the passing of the years and the changing times, the teachings, mentoring and graceful nature of Zhou Lingzhao will remain forever engraved in Han's heart and mind.