File photo

Chinese historian Li Xueqin passes away at 86 Sunday morning. Born in 1933 in Beijing, Li is a Chinese historian, archaeologist, epigrapher, and professor of Tsinghua University.

He is recognized internationally as one of the most eminent and important Chinese scholars.

(Photo: China Academy of Culture Limited)

His work cuts across a variety of disciplines of interest. Li has served as the Director of the Institute of History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, Director of the Institute of Sinology of Tsinghua University, head of the pre-Qin History Association of China, and Director of the project for the study of ancient Chinese Civilization, known as the Xia Shang Zhou Chronology Project.

Li Xueqin in an interview. (File photo)

Li is also prolific author, and several of his books have been translated into English, including Eastern Zhou and Qin Civilizations, The Wonder of Chinese Bronzes, Chinese Bronzes: a General Introduction, and The Glorious Traditions of Chinese Bronzes.