Ren Yu (Chinese, B. 1945) "Lion Head Camellias" Signed upper left. Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Proofcard of the China 8fen Lion Head Camellia stamp issued November 10, 1979. Brilliant red flowers characterize the Lion Head Camellia. Among the thickly twisted petals, stamens bunch in small groups, providing golden blotches of color within the deep red blossoms. To the Chinese, the stamens represents hearts, and they call the Lion Head "Nine Hearts and Eighteen Petals." The lovely Lion Head blossoms grow from one of the taller Camellia trees. Like all the Camellia trees, they grow slowly, especially when young. However, when planted in moist, acid, peaty soil, and protected from the wind, a well-grown Camellia reaches approximately ten feet in twenty years. Perhaps these leisurely growing habits add to their longevity, because many Camellias live hundreds of years. In a temple garden, near Kunming, Yunnan's capital, one Camellia tree is reputed to be over three hundred years old and five hundred feet tall. At one time, western gardeners knew nothing of these Chinese beauties. In 1704, Georg Kamel, a Jesuit priest serving in China, discovered the Camellia. There is some doubt that Kamel, whom the flowers were named after, ever brought a Camellia back to Eurpe, but as the trading routes expanded, the treasured flowers found their way to other countries. Today, Camellias similar to the Lion Head, thrive as well in New York greenhouses as they do in California's sun-filled gardens. Image Size: 10.5 x 11.5 in. Overall Size: 14 x 20.25 in. Unframed. (B05682)