Sun Chuanzhe (Chinese, B. 1915) "Mother Pandas and Their Babies" Original Watercolor on paper painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork was originally published on the Gentle Giants Porcelain Plate. Unlike true bears, these gentle giants are not capable of building up fat reserves to last them during hibernation. Thus, Giant Pandas are active all year long, feeding much of the time. The only known species of carnivore to have become a vegetarian, these animals use their powerful jaws and strong teeth to pulverize the bamboo that forms their diet. Fortunately this creature's thick throat lining protects it from injury when swallowing sharp plant splinters. Possessing long wrist bones that act almost like sixth digits, Pandas are well equipped to clutch bamboo stalks and leaves in their paws. When eating, these creatures assume a sitting position with hind legs outstretched. Pandas also dine on their backs, their furry black legs up in the air, relishing each meal in total comfort. Unfortunately, shortages of the Panda's treasured bamboo can occur. Though these plants flower infrequently, when they do bloom, the stalks soon die and several years pass before the new seedlings are large enough to be eaten. Because the Panda's diet includes little else, some animals are faced with the threat of starvation. Since the 1970s, when it was realized that the Giant Panda could eventually become extinct if its main food source did in fact die-off one day, Chinese conservationists and members of the World Wildlife Fund have worked to protect this treasured creature. Image Diameter: 13.25 in. Overall Size: 15 x 15 in. Unframed. (B14532)