TEHRAN -- Veteran Iranian sculptor Jazeh Tabatabaii died on Friday at a hospital in Tehran. He was 77.

Tabatabaii is renowned as the founder and director of Iran’s first gallery known as Iran’s Modern Art Gallery.
He displayed an interest in writing from the age of twelve and has authored more than 40 books comprising folktales, novels, poetry and plays.
He later turned his hand to directing, dramatic art, ballet, in addition to painting and sculpting.
His works have been exhibited in Australia, China, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Monaco, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, USA and Yugoslavia.
Some of his paintings and sculptures are also kept in private collections and museums.
The outstanding documentary filmmaker Khosro Sinaii made two productions centering on Tabatabaii.