Zeng Xiaolian (B. 1939) "Rhododendron Wardii" Original Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 5 Rhododendron souvenir sheet issued June 25, 1991. Born in 1939 in Yunnan Province, Zeng Xiao Lian is a talented Chinese artist. He worked as a senior engineer of the Botanical Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences. In addition, Zeng Xiao Lian received artistic training in Beijing. The artist has painted a series of beautiful botanical images of flowers and birds. These accurate detailed images have been published in more than fifty books, including "Flora of China", "Flora and Rhododendrons Yunnan" and others. Paintings by Zeng Xiao Lian participated in numerous national exhibitions in China, as well as in the United States, Canada and Australia. During the early 20th century, Frank Kingdon-Ward was among those who scoured far-away countries searching for new varieties of plants to bring back to Europe and North America. One of his many discoveries is the fabulous yellow-flowered species which bears his name, Rhododendron wardii. Native to western China and Tibet, this attractive bloom thrives only in mild climates, much to the chagrin of growers living in areas where the growing season is short. Image Size: 10.25 x 13.25 in. Overall Size: 12 x 13.75 in. Unframed. (B13058)