Miniature artist releases new mini-sculpture in honor of peace

New Taipei, Aug. 8 (CNA) Taiwanese miniature sculptor Chen Forng-shean (陳逢顯) unveiled his latest work Friday, a butterfly measuring just 0.4 centimeters sitting atop a 2 cm decaying pistol that represents a plea for peace.

The well-known sculptor said his latest artwork, "War and Peace" (戰爭與和平), took him 30 days to complete.

Both the tiny butterfly and small gun were crafted in gold, the artist's signature material used in the majority of his works.

In a statement Friday, Chen said each line and curve on the wings of the 0.4 cm butterfly went through repeated grinding and polishing under a magnifying glass to achieve its current look.

According to Chen, the smaller a sculpture, the more skill it takes to reflect the purity and mastery of art, and he said that in this case, the work was a profound exploration of peace.

The positioning of the butterfly sitting gently atop the muzzle of a gun was meant to represent letting go of a weapon to fearlessly pursue peace instead, Chen said.

Meanwhile, an old decaying revolver that was forgotten by time metaphorically represents humanity's resolve to distance itself from war.

Together, the contrasting imageries are meant to convey the idea of "let go of killing and embrace peace" to guide humanity to rethink the real meaning behind war and peace and channel people toward a brighter future, he said.

The piece is currently on exhibition at the Chen Forng Shean Miniature Art Museum in New Taipei's Xindian District.