Wan Weisheng (Chinese, B. 1932) "Four Swans Landing in Pond" Signed lower left. Original Tempera on Watercolor Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 10f Whistling Swans stamp issue of November 18, 1983. Amid the timeless beauty of the Xinjiang Swan Lake in China, the graceful Whistling Swan lives in tranquility. Gliding through the peaceful waters, the swans gently dip their heads below the surface to pluck tender plants from the lake bottom. Turning tails up, the Whistlers love to sample wild celery, tender widgeon grass and small insects. Often pulling up more food than they need, the swans leave floating forage for other waterbirds that live on the Xinjiang Swan Lake. Like other swan species, the Whistling Swans select a mate for life. Paired swans work together to collect grasses, mosses and reeds to build a massive nest near the water. The female then carefully lines her nest with soft swansdown. Cradled in the warm nest, the four or five creamy-white eggs hatch in about 40 days. Soon thereafter, the dusky cygnets, or baby swans, follow their parents to water for their first swim. Led by the female, the babies are followed by the male swan who brings up the rear. When autumn's cool breath whispers hints of winter, the Whistling Swans and their young gather in flocks for the journey to warmer waters. A strong cob leads each wedge or ribbon on their southern flight. Sandwiched between the adults, the young cygnets ... still dressed in their dull baby down ... are helped along in the air turbulence created by the stronger birds. Long necks stretched and wings beating rhythmically, the Whistling Swans call out their high-pitched hooting calls over the Chinese mainland. Image Size: 11.25 x 21.25 in. Overall Size: 13.5 x 21.25 in. Unframed. (B08246)